Technology, Healthcare & The Patient Experience

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Today having a fresh web presence is more important than ever for every business especially in the medical world. Before a potential patient ever even makes contact with a new physician the majority of consumers do research online first.

Judging A Book By Its Cover

Many people in the past have half judged a doctor by the state of the waiting room. Patients look at cleanliness, age of magazines and, yes, if the plants are alive. While this is still true today, an update and tidy virtual presence is equally important.

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” – Erma Bombeck

How Technology Has Changed Patient Perception

Doctors today have no choice but to use technology in daily practice. Patients make snap judgments about doctors. Today there are three things that people are looking for when choosing a new physician, surgery center or hospital. Technology has made information much more accessible and because of this ease, people are more prone to do research.

Build It and They Will Come

This is not Field Of Dreams, “build it and they will come” no longer applies to a website.  The number one thing that people search for on the internet when learning about a new healthcare provider is not just the website. Providers can no longer just have a site and expect people will feel this is enough. Patients want to see a website that is up-to-date, mobile-responsive and looks modern. Many people often determine if a physician or hospital has a website that is old and outdated that these facilities or providers do not keep up with medical technology either.

1. What’s Your Star Rating?

Just like restaurants, Amazon products or contractors, ratings matter. Patients read reviews, so having reputation management in place becomes critical. Physicians who are not regularly requesting patients to comment on experiences or to write a quick review are missing out on an invaluable marketing tool.

2. Do I Like You?

People also look on Facebook or other social media channels. Healthcare professionals who are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and even Snapchat are perceived as being more in touch and accessible. The more places that a physician or hospital can be found on the internet, the more comfortable patients of all ages are with selecting that provider.

3. What Can I Learn From You?

Many healthcare facilities and physician clinics provide a regular blog often posted on the hospital’s website or social media. Providing regular digital content on, at least, a weekly basis will allow physicians to create a brand. Potential patients that are finding easily digestible content start building trust with the provider. A recent study showed that 70% of consumers prefer learning about products or services through content rather than traditional advertising.

The Importance Of A Complete Digital Presence

While in the past having a website was enough, a comprehensive digital presence should be the standard every medical facility and healthcare provider strives to offer potential patients. Not only does this reinforce expertise and authority but providing a strong social media presence builds trust.

Finding A Digital Marketing Agency

There are many ways to create a website, from fast and cheap template services to elaborate, full media presence. Finding an agency that can provide social media, regular content and mobile-responsive, secure websites will help clinics and hospitals looking to increase domain authority and positioning in search results.