Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Healthcare Providers

✅ DO: Share Educational & Engaging Content

✔ Post General Health Tips & Wellness Advice (e.g., nutrition, fitness, mental health).

✔ Use Infographics & Short Videos to simplify complex medical topics.

✔ Create Q&A Sessions or Live Videos to engage followers (without discussing PHI).

✔ Share Updates on New Treatments & Innovations in your field.

📌 Example: A functional medicine practice sharing a “5 Signs Your Gut Health Needs Attention” infographic.

❌ DON’T: Share Patient Information or PHI

❌ Never post names, photos, or case details without explicit, written patient consent.

❌ Avoid responding publicly to medical questions that could disclose PHI.

❌ Do not share screenshots of patient messages or reviews unless anonymized and approved.

📌 HIPAA Reminder: Even commenting “Hope you feel better soon!” on a patient’s post could be a privacy violation.

✅ DO: Maintain a Professional & Ethical Tone

✔ Use Clear, Compassionate, and Evidence-Based Messaging.

✔ Stick to Your Area of Expertise—avoid making unverified claims.

✔ Engage with Followers in a Respectful Manner.

✔ Correct Misinformation in a non-confrontational way.

📌 Example: A doctor debunking a viral health myth with scientific evidence instead of dismissing it outright.

❌ DON’T: Offer Medical Advice or Diagnoses

❌ Do not answer specific medical questions publicly—encourage appointments instead.

❌ Avoid implying guaranteed treatment outcomes, which could be misleading.

❌ Never engage in arguments or debates over medical opinions online.

📌 Example: Instead of replying, “Yes, you likely have hypothyroidism”, say, “This could have multiple causes—please consult a specialist.”

✅ DO: Promote Your Services Strategically

✔ Highlight Services & Specialties without making misleading claims.

✔ Share Success Stories (With Consent!) to build credibility.

✔ Post About Upcoming Events, Webinars, or Free Consultations.

✔ Encourage Online Booking Through Your Website’s Secure Portal.

📌 Example: A medspa posting, “Interested in laser skin treatments? Book a consultation today!” with a secure scheduling link.

❌ DON’T: Post Before & After Photos Without Proper Consent

❌ Never post patient images without signed, HIPAA-compliant consent forms.

❌ Avoid misleading editing or filters that exaggerate treatment results.

❌ Do not use stock photos that could misrepresent actual outcomes.

📌 Example: Instead of posting “miracle” transformation photos, focus on realistic expectations and treatment education.

✅ DO: Follow Platform Guidelines & Legal Compliance

✔ Adhere to HIPAA, FDA, and FTC Regulations when posting health-related content.

✔ Disclose Partnerships & Sponsorships if promoting a product or brand.

✔ Use Proper Hashtags to increase reach while staying relevant (#FunctionalMedicine, #GutHealth, etc.).

✔ Monitor & Moderate Comments to prevent misinformation.

📌 Example: If endorsing a supplement, include a disclaimer about consulting a healthcare professional first.

❌ DON’T: Ignore Negative Feedback or Fake Reviews

❌ Do not delete all negative comments—instead, address concerns professionally.

❌ Never respond defensively or emotionally to criticism.

❌ Avoid review-gating (only asking happy patients to leave reviews).

📌 Example: If a patient complains about wait times, reply, “We value your feedback and are working to improve scheduling efficiency.”

Final Thoughts

Healthcare providers can effectively use social media to educate, connect with patients, and build a strong online presence while maintaining compliance and professionalism. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll foster trust, credibility, and engagement without risking legal or ethical pitfalls.