A Professionally-Designed Website Can Grow Your Practice. Here’s How…
Your website is often the first point of contact for potential patients, and it plays a key role in shaping their impression of your practice. A well-designed site can make patients feel confident in their choice and encourage them to book an appointment.
Here are twelve features that every healthcare provider’s website should include to meet patient expectations:
1. Clear Contact Information
Patients need to know how to reach you easily. Prominently display your phone number, email address, and office location on every page. A dedicated “Contact Us” page with a map and driving directions can be helpful as well.
2. Online Appointment Scheduling
The convenience of scheduling appointments online can set your practice apart. Include an easy-to-use booking system that allows patients to see available slots and confirm their appointments without calling the office.
3. Mobile-Friendly Design
Many people will visit your website on their smartphones. Ensure your site is responsive, meaning it adjusts seamlessly to smaller screens. A mobile-friendly design makes navigation easier and keeps visitors engaged.
4. Patient Portal Access
A secure, compliant patient portal is a must for modern healthcare websites. It allows patients to view test results, request prescription refills, and communicate with their healthcare team. Highlight this feature and make the login button easy to find.
5. Easy-to-Understand Navigation
Patients shouldn’t have to hunt for the information they need. Use a simple menu structure with clear labels like “Services,” “About Us,” and “Contact.” A search bar can also help visitors find specific information quickly.
6. Detailed Information About Services
Clearly describe the services you offer, including any specialties or unique treatments. This helps patients understand what you can do for them and makes it more likely they’ll choose your practice.
7. Provider Profiles
Patients want to know who will be caring for them. Include photos and bios of your providers that highlight their qualifications, areas of expertise, and a bit about their personality (if appropriate) or approach to care. This builds trust and makes your team feel approachable.
8. Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Displaying positive reviews and testimonials from current patients can reassure potential patients about the quality of your care. Include quotes on your homepage or create a dedicated page for patient feedback.
9. Educational Resources
Offering helpful resources like blog posts, FAQs, or downloadable guides can position your practice as an authority. For example, a blog post on preparing for a first visit or managing common health conditions can provide value and build trust.
10. Fast Loading Speeds
Nobody likes waiting for a slow website to load, especially when they’re trying to book an appointment or find critical information. Optimize your site’s performance to ensure pages load quickly and smoothly.
11. ADA Compliance
An ADA-compliant website ensures that all patients, including those with disabilities, can access your content and services. Features like text resizing, keyboard navigation, and proper contrast levels improve usability for everyone. Staying compliant also reduces the risk of legal issues.
12. Secure and Confidential Online Forms
Patients value their privacy, especially when sharing personal information. Ensure that any online forms, such as new patient intake forms or contact forms, are encrypted and secure. This not only protects patient data but also builds trust in your practice’s commitment to confidentiality.
Make Your Website Work for Your Patients
These features don’t just enhance your website—they create a better experience for your patients. By focusing on clarity, accessibility, and convenience, you can build trust and make it easy for patients to choose your practice.
If your healthcare website needs a refresh or you’d like to add these patient-friendly features, schedule a free consultation with My Blue Digital.
