A Healthgrades review should be assessed for both its content and the privacy risks of responding. Verify the provider profile, identify any specific policy concern, and keep patient information out of public discussion. A low rating alone is not a reason to expect removal, and a reviewer discussing care does not give a practice unrestricted permission to do the same.
01
Check the profile and review carefully
Confirm the review is attached to the intended professional and distinguish incorrect profile details from the reviewer's opinion. Save the URL, date, and exact wording in a restricted internal record. Do not distribute screenshots containing sensitive information to an entire marketing team. A complaint about waiting time may indicate an operational issue even if the practice disagrees with the rating.
02
Use the platform's audit route when appropriate
Healthgrades describes a flagging process through an authorized Pro account's Patient Reviews area. Select the relevant review, provide the actual reason and necessary explanation, and submit it for audit. The platform decides whether removal is warranted. Tie the request to the current policy rather than merely stating that the comment damages business.
- Identify the specific passage and applicable concern.
- Avoid uploading unnecessary medical records to support a marketing dispute.
- Record the submission and review the decision before further action.
03
Make any public response privacy-safe
A general message can explain that the practice welcomes concerns through its private contact channel without confirming a patient relationship or describing treatment. U.S. HHS enforcement has addressed disclosures in responses to online reviews. Practices subject to HIPAA need appropriate compliance review; Mexican providers must consider their own applicable privacy and professional requirements rather than assuming U.S. rules apply identically.
Frequently asked questions
Can we reveal appointment details to prove the review wrong?
Do not treat a public dispute as permission to disclose records. Obtain appropriate privacy and legal review before using patient information.
Does flagging change the rating immediately?
No. Reporting asks for review; it does not establish that the content violates policy or guarantee a rating change.
Continue with your next step
Related guides on this topic
Sources and policies
Check the current policy before submitting a request.
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Share the URLs and explain your concern. We will review the context and explain which options are worth assessing.
Request a confidential reviewOr call (307) 429-2531Educational information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts and decisions made by third parties.