When patients are in search of the right doctor or medical practice for their health needs, where do most go to evaluate their choices?
The Internet.
Review sites provide important information and feedback from current and/or former patients about specific practices, but the practice's website can also have a significant impact on the prospective patient's impression of that clinic. Therefore, it's vital that specialty practices, especially ones that rely more on elective procedures, have an engaging and impressive website.
Here are three tips to help you accomplish just that.
1. Allow for patient portal access
Provide website visitors with access to the patient portal by placing a link on the main page. The use of a patient portal is already a part of meaningful use attestation, and integrating it into your site is a simple way to get the most out of this tool. Patients can update personal information, medical histories, demographics and insurance information quickly and easily. With some patient portals, these changes go through in real-time, and prior medical histories transfer directly into the EMR. Additionally, showcasing your patient portal on your site shows prospective new patients that communication lines are wide open.
"Online scheduling is an effective way to attract new patients."
2. Utilize online appointment scheduling
These days, you can schedule almost anything online, from dinner reservations to haircuts. It only makes sense that patients should be able to set up appointments over the Internet. Online appointment scheduling gives people 24-hour access, providing convenience, and it's an effective way to draw in new patients - those who come across your website at 10 p.m. are more likely to book an appointment right away rather than wait until the office opens in the morning. The scheduling program can be tweaked to meet the specific needs of your practice, such as hours available for appointments, and some scheduling systems are entirely integrated with the EMR and practice management software.
3. Remember the basics
While it seem like common sense, many sites fail to provide the basics - the fundamental information all current and prospective patients need. This includes the services offered, your practice's hours and location, phone number and email contact. It's also wise to provide short biographies of each provider. Unless your practice is equipped to provide continuous updates, it's generally best to avoid newsworthy content such as information about a current flu outbreak or changes to Medicare coverage. These details may be more useful on the practice's Facebook or other social media pages, which can be linked to on the website.
