Hashtags and How to Use Them on Social Media

A paradigm shift is taking place in American healthcare. We are moving from word-of-mouth marketing to word-of-mouse. Patients and potential patients are accessing the Internet in increasing numbers, and the Yellow Pages is becoming obsolete as fewer patients are using traditional methods of accessing medical practices. Just a few years ago, having a Web site was all that was required to communicate with patients. However, most practices will need to embrace a so- cial media component. This article discusses the role of hashtags in social media and how they enable practices to enhance communications with both existing patients and potential new patients.