Social Isn’t Where Patients Find You. It’s Where They Decide to Trust You.
If you only look at “top search channels,” it’s easy to underestimate social media.
Most patients don’t start their search for an orthopedic provider on social. They go to Google, websites, and insurance directories when they’re in active problem-solving mode.
But before that moment, social media is doing heavy lifting:
- Building brand awareness
- Shaping perceptions
- Creating the mental shortlist of practices they already trust
Our survey found:
83% of Gen Z say social has at least moderate influence.
73% of Millennials report moderate-to-high influence.
54% of Gen X still say social matters.
Social is where patients decide whether you feel real, trustworthy, and relatable — and where they stay connected post-op.
👉 In the whitepaper, we unpack how social supports branding, referrals, and retention for ortho practices.
89% of Gen Z
uses AI during their healthcare research
61% of Gen Z & 60% of Millennials
won’t book without cost transparency
59% of patients
start on a provider website
52% of patients
seek non-surgical or spine care first
83% of Gen Z
say social media influences their provider trust
54% of patients
abandon a practice due to difficulty reaching staff
Get the Full 2026 Orthopedic Outlook
We’ll email your copy instantly. No spam — just insights.
Ad Choices