Doctors need to be able to get the word out about the services they offer. While some people might think that this should be done through insurance provider-finding services and word-of-mouth referrals, some doctors realize that they need to turn to other methods for advertising.
It’s critical that doctors consider several factors when they’re trying to determine where and how they plan to advertise their practice. All of these come together to determine how the advertisements will be perceived by the public, which is part of what can land a medical professional in serious trouble if advertising isn’t handled properly.
Look at the placement
When you’re placing an ad in a directory or somewhere similar, you need to pay attention to the location of the ad. Medical professionals shouldn’t ever have ads in locations that make it appear they specialize in an area they don’t. For example, a general practitioner shouldn’t put an ad in a section of the phone book that has to do with oncologists unless their office offers oncology services by a specialist.
Pay attention to the wording
The wording in the ads matters because you can’t imply that you guarantee certain results unless it’s proven that you can be successful in a specific treatment or other offering 100% of the time. Everything in your advertisements must be fully factual and not mislead the general public.
If you’re accused of unethical practices, including unethical advertising habits, you need to learn about your options for defending against issues with your professional license. Your livelihood depends on defending your license. Working with a professional who’s familiar with these cases is beneficial so you can determine which option is in your best interests.
