Why RateMDs ranks so well
RateMDs (ratemds.com) has a domain authority of approximately 60 and is specifically designed for doctor reviews. Google treats it as a relevant, authoritative source for medical professional name searches. A negative RateMDs review can appear on page one alongside your AHPRA registration, your hospital profile, and any media coverage.
For many Australian doctors, RateMDs is the review platform they did not know existed until a patient mentioned it or they Googled their own name.
Can you remove a RateMDs review?
RateMDs has a flagging system. Reviews can be flagged if they:
- Contain profanity or abusive language
- Include personal information (home address, phone number)
- Are clearly about the wrong doctor
- Contain threats
RateMDs will not remove a review because it is negative or because you disagree with it. Their terms of service protect the right of patients to share their experiences.
Claiming your profile
If you have not already, claim your RateMDs profile. This gives you the ability to:
- Add your photo and credentials
- Respond to reviews (professionally and within AHPRA guidelines)
- Update your practice details
A claimed, complete profile with responses looks significantly better than an unclaimed profile with unanswered negative reviews.
The suppression approach
If a negative RateMDs review cannot be removed, the strategy is the same as any other negative search result: build enough positive content that it gets pushed down. The RateMDs listing itself may remain, but if your page one is filled with your website, LinkedIn, published articles, and directory profiles, the RateMDs link moves to page two.
Contact: clare@narrativedigital.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove a RateMDs review in Australia?
RateMDs will remove reviews that violate their policies (profanity, threats, wrong doctor, personal information). They will not remove a review simply because it is negative.
Should I respond to RateMDs reviews?
Yes, but carefully. Claim your profile and respond professionally. Do not confirm clinical details or doctor-patient relationships. A professional response demonstrates that you take feedback seriously.