title: Hashtags and How to Use Them on Social Media.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Knapp
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baum
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D061108:Social Media