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Some MDs are requesting that new patients sign waivers stating they won’t post reviews about the physician online. You may be familiar with the recent case in which a children’s dentist in California sued a patient who posted a negative review on Yelp! Shortly prior to that, a chiropractor had filed suit against a patient for a similar reason. These were the first two known lawsuits related to Yelp! medical review postings.

In addition to Yelp!, Dr.Oogle, RateMDs, Angie’s List, HealthCareReviews, and many other forums exist where patients can post their opinions and experiences about doctors and dentists. Some healthcare providers with positive online reviews actually promote these forums on their websites and directly to patients in the office. But just one bad online review has the potential to tarnish the reputation of a great doctor or dentist (ie: you!). And there’s not much you can do about it…so are waivers a good idea?

In theory, online reviews provide the public with unbiased, honest information so that people can make wise choices about healthcare providers. Problem is, everyone’s opinion is different based on personality, situation, beliefs, expectations, etc. Do you agree with everything your neighbor tells you about local restaurants? Furthermore, do you know people who exaggerate and overreact? Are those same people likely to voice their embellished opinions online? These forums give people an open floor to vent frustration or disappointment, often anonymously – and that probably seems like the American way…until you become the object of a bad review. Viral marketing spreads like wildfire. It can get out of control before you even know what’s going on!

In a recent ABC News spot, Angie Hicks, owner of Angie’sList, was interviewed on this topic. Hicks says the key in a doctor – patient relationship is trust. In her opinion, if a doctor asks you to sign a waiver, “you need to find a new doctor.”

And on the other end of the spectrum, Dr. Jeffrey Segal, founder of Medical Justice, says a thousand doctors in his organization are using the waiver now. He claims that the waiver is not a “gag order,” but rather that it protects physicians against anonymous misinformation being posted about them online.

Dental Justice, a subsidiary of Medical Justice, was featured in DentalTown, January 2009. When a dentist hires Dental Justice on retainer, the organization’s lawyers will work to deter frivolous lawsuits through counterclaims and countersuits. Dr. Vincent Monticciolo is the dental director and administrator for Dental Justice. One program Dr. Monticciolo describes in the interview is DISAPPEAR, which stands for Definitive Innovative Solution Addressing Perturbed Patients Expecting A Refund. Just the name is enough to make you want to learn more! The service assists dentists in situations when patients want money back or demand free services.

Members of Dental Justice can expect:
• Reduced risk of being named in a frivolous lawsuit
• Less time away from practice
• More control in a once one-sided attack
• To hold the other side accountable for inappropriate actions against dentist
• Recourse if sued
• A barrier to Web defamation

It’s always wise to protect yourself, your family, and your reputation. To discuss using the Medical Justice waiver in your practice, call Dental Justice at 877-DEN-JUST or visit the company online at www.dentaljustice.com.