Testimonials are a popular way of advertising services. Unfortunately testimonials only mention success stories and can offer an unbalanced view. There is no simple way of knowing if testimonials are even true.
Registered health professionals are prohibited by law from using testimonials in their advertising.
If I can’t rely on Testimonials, how do I choose a Practitioner?
1. Ask around the local community for any recommendations for the type of treatment you are seeking.
- Do the same names come up more than once?
- Is the practitioner suitably qualified to provide the services which they are offering?
- Is the practitioner a member of an appropriate professional association?
- Is the practitioner registered as a provider with health funds for the services which they are offering?
2. Google the practitioner.
- Google will not only show you their publications (if any), it will also give an idea of their involvement in their profession.
- If they have a website then many of the questions posed above will probably be answered from that site as well.
- If the practitioner is a member of a registered profession, check the AHPRA website at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx to see their registration status, including any conditions that are placed on their practice.
- Any negative news stories may also be revealed.
3. Call the Practitioner
- Many practitioners are happy to have a brief phone call before making an appointment.
- This is a good way to decide if this practitioner understands your condition.
- It is also an opportunity for the practitioner to direct you so someone else if your situation is outside of their scope of practice.