LAUSR

BACKGROUND The use of physician review websites by patients is increasingly frequent. One potential way for shoulder and elbow surgeons to enhance their online reputation and attract patients is via social media, yet its impact is unknown. This study sought to analyze the effect of social media use on number of online ratings and overall rating for shoulder and elbow surgeons. We secondarily studied variables affecting social media usage. METHODS The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons directory was probed to identify practicing surgeons. Surgeon evaluation, including ratings, comments, and reviews were compiled from three physician review websites (Google, Healthgrades, Vitals). Google was queried to assess for a professional Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account as well as obtain information on surgeon training, location of practice, and other demographic variables. RESULTS 646 surgeons met inclusion criteria (93.8% male, 6.2% female). Overall, 37% had a professional social media account (23.1% Facebook, 24.1% Twitter, and 9.4% Instagram). Linear regression analysis showed Facebook use correlated with an average increase of 48.6 in number of ratings. No social media platform correlated with physician rating. Those more likely to utilize social media were surgeons who graduated residency after 2000 (40.8% vs. 29.2%), practiced in cities with higher population (mean 1,188.9 vs. 708.4 (per 1000)), and had more surgeons practicing in the same city (mean 7.0 vs. 5.0). CONCLUSION The majority of shoulder and elbow surgeons do not have a professional social media account. Those using this platform are younger and located in more populous cities with more competition. Having a professional social media profile was not correlated with rating, but there was a positive association with number of online ratings, and Facebook had the strongest association. Surgeon ratings are overwhelmingly positive with minimal variability; therefore, a high number of ratings confirms a surgeon's exceptional reputation. Residency graduation year, city population, and number of nearby surgeons affected ratings, although the absolute differences were minimal. For shoulder and elbow surgeons a professional social media account correlates with an increase in the number of online physician ratings. Recent graduates practicing in competitive locations may feel increased pressure to leverage this in an attempt to build their practice.