Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
patients customer
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "patients customer" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a combination of two separate terms, "patients" and "customer," which should not be used together in this way. An example could be: "The healthcare provider must prioritize the needs of each patient as a valued customer."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
One solution is for doctors to offer patients customer satisfaction forms, so they don't feel that the only medium to express grievances is a public one.
News & Media
The work focuses on the improvement of the medical appointment and patients' customer service business processes.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
He treated the people in his life — growers, suppliers, patients, customers — in a considerate fashion.
News & Media
Personally, I am passionate about having a positive impact on others through my work, whether for patients, customers, colleagues or the business.
News & Media
Over the last generation we have come to see ourselves as customers in virtually all our relationships and interactions: customers of medical care, rather than patients; customers of government rather than citizens; and customers of education rather than students.
News & Media
After all, privacy is still the most important thing that patients (customers) care about in the health care industry.
Science
Conversely, patients (customers) can evaluate the merits of the service provided from the patients' standpoint on technology-based service encounters to decide whether to continue using their service.
Science
It can be used to manage a set of service entities (i.e. ambulances, service vehicles, taxis), that need to be located such that customer entities (i.e. patients, customers, passengers, etc).
This model can efficiently predict the cognition of service quality and patient satisfactions after patients (customers) have experienced the electronic medical record system (EMRS) and online appointment system service.
Science
In order to understand the quality of health care services provided, it is necessary to assess views from more than one perspective, finding the right balance between the views of patients (customers) and different health care professionals (service providers).
Science
Inside, Chin was hard at work constructing a foot, making final adjustments with a screwdriver as a patient customer who was missing a leg waited for the final modifications.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing healthcare, be precise. Use "patient" to refer to someone receiving medical care, and "customer" when discussing service aspects. Avoid combining them directly as "patients customer".
Common error
Don't blend the terms 'patient' and 'customer' without clear context. While healthcare involves service, the primary relationship is one of care, not commerce. Prefer "patient as customer" or similar constructs for clarity.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "patients customer" attempts to combine the roles of a patient and a customer. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this is not a standard or grammatically correct construction in English.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "patients customer" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect. While some sources attempt to use it to bridge the gap between healthcare and customer service, clearer alternatives like "patient as customer" or "healthcare consumer" are recommended. The key is to acknowledge the service dimension of healthcare without diminishing the primary focus on patient care. It's vital to be precise with medical terminology to avoid confusion, especially in formal and professional contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
patient as customer
This phrase emphasizes the perspective of a patient being treated as a customer, with a focus on service and satisfaction.
healthcare consumer
This term highlights the economic aspect of healthcare, positioning patients as consumers of medical services.
medical client
Uses client instead of customer to soften the language towards a more professional services setting.
patient-centered service
Focuses on service that prioritizes the patient's needs and preferences.
customer service in healthcare
Emphasizes the application of customer service principles within the healthcare industry.
patient care experience
Highlights the overall experience of a patient receiving care, encompassing both medical and service aspects.
healthcare customer experience
Similar to 'patient care experience', but focuses more on the 'customer' aspect of the experience.
patient satisfaction
Concentrates on the level of satisfaction patients have with the services they receive.
consumer-driven healthcare
Stresses healthcare systems where patients have more choice and control, like customers in a market.
patient relations
Deals with managing the relationship between healthcare providers and patients.
FAQs
Is it correct to refer to a patient as a customer?
While healthcare involves customer service aspects, directly equating a patient to a customer can be misleading. It's more accurate to say a "patient as customer" or use terms like "healthcare consumer" when discussing the service dimension.
What are some alternatives to "patients customer"?
Instead of "patients customer", consider phrases like "patient as customer", "healthcare consumer", or discussing "customer service in healthcare" to convey the intended meaning more clearly.
How does the role of a patient differ from that of a customer in a healthcare setting?
A patient seeks medical care with an emphasis on health and well-being, while a customer focuses on purchasing goods or services. In healthcare, while service is important, the primary focus is on the patient's health needs, making the relationship distinct from a typical customer-vendor interaction.
Why is the phrase "patients customer" often considered grammatically incorrect?
The phrase "patients customer" is not standard English because it awkwardly combines two nouns without a clear relationship. It's better to use phrases that explicitly define the relationship, such as "the patient as a customer".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested