Patient experiences are more than testimonials—they’re powerful tools that influence how prospective patients perceive your practice. While credentials and pricing matter, real stories from satisfied patients often carry the most weight in the decision‑making process. The challenge for providers isn’t just collecting these experiences—it’s knowing how to ask for them in a way that feels natural, respectful, and effective.

Why Asking Matters

Patients don’t always think to share their experiences on their own. A gentle, well‑timed request can make all the difference. By inviting patients to contribute, you:

• Build trust – showing transparency and confidence in your care.
• Increase visibility – authentic experiences attract new patients to your profile.
• Strengthen rapport – asking for feedback demonstrates that you value their voice.
• Guide decisions – testimonials often tip the scales when someone is choosing a provider.

Best Practices for Asking Patients

The way you ask shapes the kind of response you’ll receive. Here are a few proven approaches to encourage patients to share their experiences:

• Be cordial and genuine – weave the request into natural conversation rather than making it feel transactional.
• Choose the right moment – ask after a positive appointment or when a patient expresses gratitude.
• Frame it as mutual support – remind them you’re always helping them, and sharing their story helps you in return.
• Highlight the impact – explain that their words can guide others searching for trustworthy care.
• Encourage detail – specific experiences are more persuasive than vague praise.

Making Patients Comfortable

Patients may hesitate if they’re unsure what to write or how their words will be used. To ease concerns:

• Educate them briefly about Materia+’s patient experience guidelines so they know the do’s and don’ts.
• Reassure them that their story will be displayed authentically, without edits, and they can trust the process.
• Offer examples of what others have shared to give them a sense of tone and detail.

The Provider’s Role

Remember, you don’t control the content of patient experiences—you only decide whether to display them on your profile. That’s why asking for authentic experiences is so important. The more experiences patients choose to share, the richer your profile becomes, and the stronger your reputation grows.