How we write our guides
Our guides help practice owners and managers reply to reviews without revealing anything about a client. Each guide points to primary sources where it can, every reply example is a model written for a common situation, and each guide shows when it was published and last updated. These standards explain how we put them together and keep them current.
Where does the information come from?
We point to primary sources wherever we can, such as the HHS Office for Civil Rights list of resolution agreements and civil money penalties (opens in a new tab). When a guide repeats an enforcement figure, it names the source, and we ask you to confirm figures and ethics code wording against the current source before relying on them.
What do the dates on a guide mean?
Each guide shows the date it was first published. When we make a meaningful change, such as clearer wording, new examples or new questions, we add an updated date next to it.
How are the reply examples written?
Every reply example is a model written for a common situation. None is taken from a real review, and none includes real client details. Edit each one for your practice's voice and keep every edit general. Terms that come up across the guides, such as owner response and second reader, are defined in our review reply glossary.
Are the guides legal or ethics advice?
No. They are general information. For a specific review, talk to a healthcare attorney, and check your profession's current ethics code before asking anyone for a review.
How do I report a correction?
Use the contact form and tell us which guide and section you mean. Please leave out any patient information. We reply within one business day, and when a correction holds up, we fix the guide and update its date.