If you are a medical practice looking to create or update your website, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. In this blog post, we will go over the essentials that every health website should have. From creating an effective layout to ensuring your site is ADA compliant, we will cover everything you need to know. So, whether you are just starting out or you want to make sure your website is up-to-date, read on for our helpful checklist!
Why Do You Need a Professional Medical Website?
A great website is among the most integral tools that empower a successful health practice. In addition to positively representing your practice, it helps patients locate relevant information, schedule appointments and stay updated on your latest health packages.
Ideally, it must accomplish a balance between impressive design and relevant information. Too much or too little of either can upset your goals.
With 5 percent of all Google searches being health-related queries and 73 percent of customers reaching out to their computers and phones to search for the best treatment options, you cannot afford to ignore the significance of well-designed and user-friendly websites.
So what does your medical practice website need to retain existing clients and attract new ones? Here is the health practices website checklist to help you get started.
The Complete Medical Practices Website Checklist
Before we dive deeper into the specific features that come together to create a powerful medical practice website, it is important to ensure that you have got your basics right. Your website should load quickly across all multimedia devices, be pleasing to the eye, be easy to navigate, feature relevant content and be search engine optimized.
Once all these details are taken care of, you can proceed with this health practices website checklist to assess how well your website scores.
- Details of services offered
Visitors to your website must quickly be able to browse through your services and treatments. They must be able to access the necessary information on what conditions you treat, the tests you provide and the results they can expect.
- Impressive photos
Including quality pictures of your facility will convey a more professional image. Get an expert photographer to capture your key areas such as waiting rooms, consulting areas, reception and labs.
- Contact details
Make sure that you include your contact details such as customer care number, reception number, email address, physical address, directional map and fax number on every page so that clients can easily access your services.
- Payment methods
Mention the payment modes accepted by your medical practice. You could also list out the costs of the treatments or fees. This section can also include details of insurance that your service accepts.
- Instant booking function
A ‘book now’ button on every page can make it easier for your clients to book an appointment. This is more convenient for clients since their can schedule appointments online without having to phone your office.
- About us
Rather than including a bland and dry description of your practice, use this section to share your journey of founding the practice and growing it over the years. To build a personal connection, add details such as your vision and core values.
- News updates
Keep your clients updated about any news that can affect their consultation or treatments. This may include new COVID protocols, extended working hours, the launch of new treatment branches, additional specialists joining your team, special checkup packages and so on.
Does Your Website Need to Be HIPAA Compliant?
Your medical website needs to be HIPAA compliant only if you collect, process, store, display or transmit PHI through your website. What does that mean? Can patients make appointments through your website? Does your website have a live chat, patient portal or forms to collect details? Then your website needs to be HIPAA compliant. If your medical website just displays your practice and service details and contact information, and the patient cannot interact with it, then you need not be HIPAA compliant.
So, how many pointers in the health practices website checklist do you plan to implement? Remember that if you already have a functional website, you can improve it one step at a time rather than going for a complete overhaul. Start with including information that your clients will find useful and relevant. Work on making it easier for clients to contact you or book appointments. And make sure the design looks minimalist and professional. If your website doesn’t tick most of the points, then you may need a complete overhaul of your medical website.
So, if you are a medical practice that is looking to create or update your website, keep these key essentials in mind. By following our helpful checklist, you can be sure that your website will be effective and compliant with all the necessary regulations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help give your website a complete overhaul – we would be happy to assist you!