Social Media

We often discuss using social media tools to reach new patients, but how about using social media to manage the health of existing patients? Studies show patients are moving past simply “liking” and “following” health topics on social media, and want to use these tools to help coordinate their own health.   72% of patients say […]

A new study from the Pew Research Center suggests that the number of Americans using “check-in” services has doubled in the past nine months. For those who don’t know, “checking-in” is a feature of several social networks like Facebook and Foursquare. It allows users to share their location with friends, family and colleagues. And, encouraging

Whether or not you’re a part of the conversation, Internet users are talking about you, your practice and the services you provide. Patients are not only actively seeking out health information on the web, but also interacting with others about health procedures, treatments and most importantly, healthcare providers. Taking the initiative to join the conversation

Are you experiencing social media overload? With social networks growing and changing, it is hard to keep up! We found this great resource from Column Five Media that may help you decide which social networks will be most useful for your medical practice, and the steps to take once you’ve decided. Getting Started on Social

The success of any social media campaign can be summed up in one word: engagement. An engaging post will generate conversation, is more likely to be shared and can open your social network to more viewers—and potential patients! Here are our 5 favorite ways to engage patients with social media: 1. Host a contest: Hosting

Earlier this month, we posted a two-part blog series about Pinterest. We explained what Pinterest is and why it’s becoming a leading social network. We also shared tips and best practices for using Pinterest in the healthcare industry. What we didn’t explain is why Pinterest is so addictive! So, why is Pinterest so addictive? Pinterest’s

Since it was launched six years ago, the growth and success of Twitter has been incredible. From popular brands generating millions of followers, to hospitals creating a sense of community for their patients, Twitter has definitely changed and improved marketing in many industries—including healthcare! Twitter allows doctors to establish credibility with patients, keeps users in

If you’re in the healthcare industry and actively using social media sites, especially Twitter, you’re probably familiar with the popular hashtag #HCSM. If not, #HCSM stands for “healthcare social media,” and is often used on Twitter by those who share tips, ask questions or generate conversation about the use of social media in healthcare. As

This week, March 4-10, marks the National Patient Safety Foundation’s annual Patient Safety Awareness week. For the past ten years, NPSF has led health care organizations to recognize the importance of patient safety by raising awareness and encouraging both healthcare providers and patients to become more educated. This year’s theme, Be Aware for Safe Care,

The healthcare industry has seen a huge increase in consumers using social media to find health information and advice. According to the Pew Research Center, 80% of Internet users have looked online for information about health topics. Moreover, data published by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery suggests that 42% of patients