NFC display for medical practices: more Google reviews with less effort

According to a 2023 study by DocRelations, 87 percent of patients base their decision on Google reviews before choosing a medical practice. This makes Google the most important platform for first impressions. Practices that want to remain digitally visible therefore need new and positive reviews on a regular basis. A few older reviews aren't enough. Anyone looking for a practice today wants to see up-to-date feedback that demonstrates: This is the right place.

The everyday hurdle: Patients are satisfied, but rarely take the time to leave a review. The simpler the process, the more likely they are to receive feedback. NFC displays, digital review displays, or feedback stands make this possible. The team kindly points out the details, patients hold their smartphones to the display, tap the stars, and that's it. The review is online in just a few seconds, building trust and visibility on Google.

Why Google Reviews Are Important for Medical Practices

Google reviews are now a practice's digital calling card. They often determine whether someone makes an appointment or continues searching. Studies show that around two-thirds of patients give 4 or 5 stars, which makes the reviews highly meaningful. At the same time, even a few negative comments can diminish a positive impression.

Recent reviews offer several advantages:

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Build trust: A wealth of positive feedback provides confidence when choosing.

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Increase visibility: Google considers reviews in its local rankings. More stars often mean greater reach on Google Maps.

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Increase attractiveness: Applicants also pay attention to reviews to assess the atmosphere of a practice.

That's why it's worth actively working toward new reviews. Not by pressuring, but by making the process as easy as possible – for example, with NFC displays.

How NFC stands work and connect to Apple devices

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. The technology transmits data wirelessly over short distances. In everyday use, this means: Patients hold their smartphone a few centimeters from the stand, and the prepared link to the Google review page immediately opens.

NFC has been automatically activated on iPhones for years. A brief touch is all it takes, and the link opens in the browser without an additional app. It works similarly on most current Android smartphones. Depending on the manufacturer or model, however, it may be necessary to manually activate NFC in the settings. In these cases, a QR code on the stand is recommended.

Here's how the rating process works:
- Hold your smartphone against the stand
- The rating page opens in your browser
- Select stars, optionally add a short text
- Submit

The entire process takes less than a minute. The simpler the process, the more reviews will be generated.

Hurdles to Obtaining Reviews

As important as reviews are, implementation often falters in everyday practice. Many patients intend to provide feedback but quickly forget. Reminder emails land unnoticed in the inbox or feel like advertising. Flyers with QR codes disappear into the pocket and are forgotten.

Organizational issues also play a role. Who on the team addresses patients, and how do you phrase it without seeming intrusive? Then there's the concern about data protection. Patients want to be sure that their data is protected and that they are evaluating themselves voluntarily.

This is precisely where NFC displays help. They shorten the process and turn an intention into immediate action. Instead of sitting down at the computer later, the evaluation takes place right there.

Implementation step by step

For NFC displays to be effective, a clear process is required. Just a few steps can ensure that reviews are received regularly.
1. Create a review link: Copy the direct link to the review page from your Google business profile and test it.
2. Design the display: Choose a design that suits your practice. Combine the NFC chip with a QR code to cover older devices.
3. Determine the placement: The display will be most noticeable at the reception or in the waiting room. It's important that it's easily accessible.
4. Involve the team: Discuss appropriate wording with the team. A brief note is enough: "If you were satisfied, we would appreciate a review – just tap here."
5. Seize the right moments: The best time is immediately after the appointment or when saying goodbye. This is when the positive experience is fresh in your mind.

This increases the chance that satisfied patients will immediately submit a review.

Best Practices from Practice

To ensure NFC displays reach their full potential, proven practices help:

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A brief, friendly reminder: A note like "We'd love a review – just tap here" is enough. Patients respond better to an invitation than to pressure.

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Stars are often enough: Even reviews without text raise the average and increase visibility. Comments with explanations are additionally valuable.

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Dealing with negative feedback: Critical reviews cannot be avoided. It is often worthwhile to respond objectively and offer solutions. Troll comments or reviews from non-patients may be considered for deletion by Google.

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Create a routine: Integrate the reminder of the display into your practice routine. This creates a steady stream of new assessments.

These tips increase the chances of receiving more reviews. The practice appears more active online and regularly displays up-to-date feedback.

Conclusion and next steps

Google reviews are a key factor in a practice's success. They build trust, increase visibility, and make the practice attractive to new employees. NFC displays make the process of getting reviews so easy that a good intention quickly becomes action.

A display in a central location is a good start. If the team actively reminds people, a steady stream of fresh feedback is created with little effort. Every new review sends a clear message to potential patients: This practice is a winner.