This ultimate guide, built specifically for Canadian healthcare professionals, will show you exactly how to get more patient reviews, how to get more Google reviews from patients, increase positive online feedback, and use tools like MINA Reviews, Canada’s #1 healthcare reputation management platform, to streamline the process.
Patient reviews are no longer optional — they are essential to the success of any healthcare practice in Canada. Whether you’re a family physician in Toronto, a chiropractor in Calgary, a dentist in Vancouver, or a naturopathic clinic in Ottawa, your online reputation influences whether patients choose your clinic or your competitor’s.
If you’re ready to build a stronger online presence, increase local search visibility, and grow patient trust, this guide is for you.
Why Are Patient Reviews So Important in Canadian Healthcare?
Patient reviews are among the most influential factors in a patient’s decision-making process. In fact, most Canadians now treat online reviews the same way they treat personal recommendations.
Patient reviews influence:
- First impressions of your clinic
- Your local Google Business Profile ranking
- Trustworthiness and credibility
- Patient acquisition and retention
Consider the following patient reviews statistics:
- Over 87% of Canadian patients read online reviews before choosing a healthcare provider.
- Clinics with more than 50 Google reviews are twice as likely to receive appointment bookings.
- A single negative review can reduce trust unless balanced by multiple positive ones.
The impact is even greater in urban markets like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Edmonton, where patients compare multiple providers in a single search.
Best Platforms to Get More Patient Reviews in Canada
To maximize results, focus your efforts on the platforms Canadian patients actually use when evaluating healthcare providers. Here are the three platforms we recommend you to focus your review efforts on first, due to factors such as where potential patients are actually looking, and how much they can benefit your local SEO visibility.
The most important platforms in Canada include:
1. Google Business Profile
- Google reviews appear directly in search results and Google Maps.
- These reviews directly influence your clinic’s local SEO rankings.
- Having more reviews improves your visibility and credibility online.
2. RateMDs
- This platform is widely used by Canadian patients for reviewing doctors and specialists.
- Offers reviews based on specific criteria such as punctuality, helpfulness, and staff friendliness.
- Especially important for physicians, dentists, and specialists.
3. Facebook
- While not as essential for SEO, Facebook reviews provide strong social proof.
- Patients often look at your Facebook presence before making a decision.
- Good for community-driven clinics and practices that market on social media.
Start with Google reviews, then expand into RateMDs and Facebook to diversify your online reputation.
When to Ask for a Patient Review
The timing of your review request can significantly affect your success rate. Asking when the patient is most satisfied and emotionally connected to your clinic increases the chance they will leave a positive review.
Ideal moments to request patient reviews include:
- Immediately after a positive appointment or procedure
- Following a successful follow-up or treatment plan
- After a patient expresses gratitude or compliments your team
- Once a long-standing patient achieves a milestone (e.g., braces removed, pain resolved)
The sooner you ask after a positive interaction, the more likely patients are to respond. That’s why automated review software is so effective — it ensures patients receive the request at the perfect time.
How to Get More Patients to Leave Reviews Without Being Pushy
Many clinics avoid asking for reviews because it feels uncomfortable or awkward. But when done correctly, asking becomes natural and well-received.
Use these steps to confidently request reviews:
Step 1: Train your team
Ensure your front-desk staff, nurses, and assistants are comfortable and consistent when asking patients for feedback.
Step 2: Ask in person at the right moment
Use language that is sincere and conversational, not transactional.
Example:
“We’re really glad to hear everything went well today. If you have a minute later, we’d really appreciate a quick review on Google. It helps other patients find our clinic.”
Step 3: Follow up with a text or email
Automated follow-ups dramatically increase review conversion rates.
Example:
“Thanks for visiting [Clinic Name]! If you had a good experience, would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google? Here’s the link: [Insert Direct Review Link]”
Step 4: Make it as easy as possible for the patient to leave a review
Never ask patients to search for your profile. Instead, include a direct review link to Google, RateMDs, or Facebook.
By combining polite in-person requests with timely follow-ups and direct links, your review collection rate will increase significantly.
How to Get More Patient Reviews Online: Proven Strategies
Let’s break down the most effective ways to increase the number of patient reviews for your healthcare clinic.
1. Automate the Patient Reviews Process
Manual reminders are easy to forget and inconsistent. Use a reputation management platform like MINA Reviews to automate personalized review requests via text or email.
Benefits:
- Consistent follow-ups after every appointment
- Personalized messaging branded to your clinic
- Filters negative feedback internally and sends positive reviews to Google and RateMDs
2. Use Clear, Direct Review Links
Whether in an email, text message, or on your website, always provide one-click access to the review form.
Tips:
- Use tools like the Google Review Link Generator
- Create a branded short link (e.g., minareviews.ca/review/yourclinic)
3. Ask Patients For Reviews Consistently
Make review requests part of your standard operating procedures. The more you ask, the more you get.
Suggestions:
- Include it in check-out scripts
- Add it to aftercare instructions
- Mention it in follow-up calls or emails
4. Respond to Every Review
Showing that you read and care about feedback encourages more people to leave reviews.
- Thank positive reviewers sincerely
- Address negative feedback calmly and professionally
- Always follow PHIPA-compliant standards when replying
5. Promote Reviews In-Clinic
Use printed materials to remind patients to leave a review.
Examples:
- QR code posters near the reception desk
- Small business cards with review links handed out at checkout
- Stickers on appointment reminder cards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While trying to get more reviews, it’s important to avoid certain pitfalls that can damage your clinic’s reputation or violate ethical guidelines.
Avoid the following:
- Offering incentives in exchange for reviews (violates Google and College guidelines)
- Posting fake reviews or asking employees to leave reviews
- Asking only select patients and neglecting the majority
- Forgetting to respond to reviews (especially negative ones)
- Ignoring platform guidelines, which can result in having your reviews removed
The key is to keep the process honest, consistent, and patient-focused.
How MINA Reviews Helps Clinics Get More Patient Reviews
MINA Reviews is Canada’s leading healthcare and medical reputation management software. Our platform helps clinics across the country collect more reviews, protect their online reputation, and build long-term trust with new and existing patients.
Key features of MINA Reviews include:
1. Automated SMS and Email Patient Review Requests
- Sent automatically after every appointment
- Personalized with your clinic branding
- Delivered at optimal times to increase engagement
2. Direct Review Link Routing
- Sends patients to Google, RateMDs, or Facebook
- Filters out negative reviews and collects them privately
3. Real-Time Dashboard and Analytics
- Track reviews by date, platform, and sentiment
- Monitor keywords and trends over time
4. Review Response Assistant
- Write and post responses from one dashboard
- Stay compliant with patient privacy regulations
5. Designed for Canadian Clinics
- Localized for Google Canada and RateMDs
- Fully PHIPA-compliant
- Built specifically for Canadian regulations and healthcare platforms
If you want to increase the number of high-quality patient reviews, MINA Reviews is the all-in-one solution trusted by top clinics across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get more Google reviews from patients?
Send automated, direct requests after each visit using a reputation platform like MINA Reviews. The easier you make it, the more reviews you’ll get.
Can I ask patients for reviews?
Yes. It’s ethical and even encouraged, as long as you’re not offering incentives. Keep your requests polite, professional, and easy to complete.
What do I do if I get a bad review?
Reply professionally and without revealing personal health information. Use the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to patient care. Tools like MINA Reviews can alert you to negative reviews and allow you to respond quickly.
How many reviews should I aim for?
Most clinics should aim for at least 3 to 10 new reviews per month. Building a consistent stream of reviews improves SEO, balances out the occasional negative one, and builds patient trust.
Conclusion: The Key to Get More Patient Reviews For Your Practice
If you’re serious about growing your clinic in today’s digital environment, you must take control of your online reputation. Patient reviews are the fastest, most credible way to build trust and grow your practice.
To recap:
- Focus on high-impact platforms like Google and RateMDs
- Ask patients at the right time, using the right language
- Automate your review requests to ensure consistency
- Monitor, respond to, and learn from your feedback
- Use a Canadian solution like MINA Reviews to streamline and scale the entire process