He Never Treated Her—But the Review Cost Him Patients

This account was submitted by a healthcare provider and de-identified before publication. Details that could identify a patient or practice have been removed, and it is shared with the provider’s consent.

What was posted

Patient posted across multiple formats and forums that Dr. [redacted] was terrible surgeon, ruined her life, that she was no longer able to walk because of his care.

What actually happened

Patient had a bimalleolar ORIF with another provider/group and apparently was unhappy with their service. This patient was not a patient of our practice or provider, however we could not respond. Patient posted across multiple platforms, community groups, etc stating he was a terrible surgeon not to go to him. He never treated this patient or performed a procedure. It was performed by another group in town.

Impact

This is a smaller town. We had multiple patients cancel appointments with our provider citing that post.

Steps taken

We reported the post, but had no details to reach out otherwise as this was not our patient.

Reported impact on this provider

Anxiety StressDeclined New PatientsEmotional DistressLost ReferralsLost RevenueReputation DamageStaff Impact

Three others reported Reputation Damage

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