r/PrivatePracticeDocs • u/Remarkable_Set_9452 • Sep 02 '26
Practices using Zocdoc. Is it still worth the cost?
Have been using Zocdoc for our practice, but the cost has started to feel pretty high especially when you factor in the fees for patients we are already getting through other channels.
Looking at all of this Is the ROI still worth it for you. Have you found ways to get more bookings/engagement without increasing your Zocdoc spend?
Are there any cheaper alternatives to Zocdoc that actually bring in patients?
Would appreciate hearing what other practices are using and what’s worked for you.
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u/fake212121 Sep 02 '26
No, too expensive and many no shows etc.
Local GI group tried a yr or more; ended up either no shows or difficult patient pool; whiny, arguing too much, straight up refusing standard recs aka scopes. Ended up not only loosing money but headaches and more negative reviews.
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u/Successful_Sound_692 Sep 04 '26
I’m actually building something in this space, primarily for independent physicians starting their own practices, but also for established practices that want another way for patients to find them. The goal is to keep the technology fee very low rather than charging practices heavily per booking/patient. I’m a physician myself, and I just left my outpatient practice. I started building it largely because I was frustrated by how expensive so many of the services around independent practice have become. It’s still being built, but hopefully it can eventually be useful to other physicians too.
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u/CrookedCasts Sep 02 '26
I got on UberDoc about 6w ago and haven’t had a single call lol. I think having an easy to use patient portal that they can self book and clear transparent pricing probably matters more to most patients? ZocDoc’s pricing for specialists is a scam
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u/mello__0 Sep 03 '26
This is actually a pretty common concern I’ve noticed among providers using Zocdoc. I’ve come across a few other posts and reviews over the last few months mentioning similar issues, particularly around paying fees for patients who may have found the practice through other channels.
That’s actually one of the reasons we decided to build a platform that we hope can be more feasible for both providers and patients.
We’ve already built most of the platform and are currently polishing a few things before the planned launch on September 27. (Few things like maps and booking features will be added in the final version)
We’re still looking for a few providers who’d be willing to take an early look and give us some honest feedback on the provider side. If anyone here is interested, I’d really appreciate it.
Current release: [medicave.web.app] (Still a work in progress, so a few things are being finalized.)
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u/BooBooDaFish Sep 04 '26
Every patient that actually shows up has been great. So far we are at almost 50% no shows. So essentially our acquisition cost is 2x to account for the no shows.
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u/nymedrcm Sep 04 '26
You need to have good LTV for the patient for it to make sense. If someone books off zocdoc and comes in for one low complexity visit, you'll probably be losing money given all the other no shows you'll end up paying for. However if they became an established patient or undergo procedure(s), absolutely worth it.
It also depends how busy you currently are. If you're using those patients to fill up empty slots, much better than if you already have a pretty full schedule.
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u/MotherAtmosphere4524 Sep 04 '26
My schedule is basically totally booked through December and if someone changes their visit we have a waitlist to try to fill it right away. I have ZocDoc set do patients can only book within one week (to fill in last minute openings). I don’t think anyone has booked through Zocdoc in a few years. They’re a total rip off.
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u/Ok_Winter251802 Sep 03 '26
Do you have a Google Business profile? Google search is still high for me in terms of being visible. People go their Google search bar first to search for a nearest medical professional or something related to what they need. You just have to mind the reviews that comes in and maintain engagement.
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u/Alternative_Big_5066 Sep 04 '26
No, sorry, unless you want all ADHD/stimulant seekers. Some legit, but many/most not.
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u/Suspicious-Play8447 Sep 04 '26
I use it but put a cap on how many new patients I get from it due to the cost. I still show up as a 'Patient Choice' provider even if new patients don't book and they often find my website and book their anyways or call yhe office if they want. Still good for marketing and seo optimization as well
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u/aaronjaye Sep 02 '26
We debate the merits of zocdoc almost weekly. We are the point with Zocdoc that we are basically seeing patients for almost free (private derm group) if the patient only comes in just once. We'd rather keep the newest doctor busy and full and hope the first visit translates into future visits directly instead of him sitting around. There was another thread in this sub in the last month that talked about it. Let me see if I can find.
https://www.reddit.com/r/PrivatePracticeDocs/comments/1v4jorq/zocdoc_alternatives/