Create a Physician Website that Conveys Authority, Expertise

Ms. Brouillette also recommends posting a practice’s medical records policy, medication refills policy, HIPAA policy, insurance and payment information, and patient portal information online. Consider offering online scheduling, which is growing in popularity because consumers like the immediate gratification of scheduling their appointment, Ms. Brouillette says.

Contact Information Page

Prominently include contact information so interested patients can easily get in touch with you. List your telephone number, fax number, e-mail address and physical address. Provide an interactive map, such as Google Maps, as well as a photo of the practice’s building or lobby.

Selecting a Website Designer

When looking for someone to design your website, Dr. Borenstein advises choosing a firm that is experienced in the medical sphere. The designer should be able to create a fresh and vibrant look, know how much space is needed and use engaging language that readers with a 10th-grade education can comprehend.

Use a website to set yourself apart from other practices

Cast a wide net. Dr. Wei asked his assistant to get referrals and find some visually pleasing websites. Ultimately, he considered seven different Web developers. He reviewed their work and spoke with previous clients about their experience.

Consider your color palette. We typically associate red with anger, pink with love and magenta with harmony. Blue, as used on the Fiber Cell Systems website (http://www.fibercellsystems.com), is the color of trust and peace, and can suggest loyalty, integrity and conservatism. Green is the color of balance and growth, and it can mean self-reliance, among many other things. Color is one way to subtly encourage your patients and site visitors to trust you.
Website designed by Teramark

Have a Social Media Presence

Expand your Internet presence to social media websites. “This will help get your name out, enhance your authoritative status and allow for interaction,” Dr. Wei says. “Visitors can ask you questions on Facebook and follow you on Twitter. Although these followers may not become patients themselves, they could refer a relative or friend who lives nearby.”

In addition to garnering patients, social media can be a powerful way to educate the public. “People are hungry for reliable healthcare information and are increasingly looking to social media,” Dr. Peng says. “In the evolving field of rheumatology, it’s important for us to stay current with the times and provide reliable healthcare education through these avenues as well.” Social media can also enhance your practice’s visibility online and increase search engine optimization. As a result, Web browsers can more easily find your website and will view it as a trusted resource.