Physician Tracking Software Can Help Your Practice
Some things that we admit to doing don’t really make sense. Especially when it comes to the internet and its use. Take health issues as an example. In the year 2012 nearly 90% of U.S. adults made use of the internet and, of that high percentage of users, three of every four of them say they have researched medical information online in the last 12 months. With all of the available doctor’s offices, hospitals, and 24/7 care centers available, most Americans still rely on their handy computer, tablet, or smartphone to get medical advice. Evidently, if physicians want to attract new and returning customers, they need to start paying attention to the latest trends for websites for doctors.
It is interesting that doctors need to learn to compete on the internet, but not surprising in this era when three of every four patients use a search engine before even making a medical appointment. It may be that these users are simply doing a search using their phone, laptop, or tablet to look for a phone number, but the fact is they are using internet searches before making the call to see if their daughter can get in for her flu shot. If a doctor wants to maintain his or her current patient load while at the same time attracting new patients, it is important that they spend time and money having a current physician website design, making use of the latest trends.
Referral tracking software on websites for doctors, for example, is key to finding out just how patients get to your website and then into your office. While in the past doctor’s could rely on their good bedside manner and the word of mouth from previous patients, today’s physicians can no longer leave these things to chance. Medical website design must be attractive and user friendly. The “friendliest” pages are easy to navigate and load immediately. Isn’t it scary to think that a possible patient might interpret a slow loading web page as a long wait in the actual office?
Although not completely logical, 75% of internet users say they form their opinions about a company, or in this case doctor’s credibility, based on a website design. So while doctors may make a great first impression when a patient comes into the office, getting that patient through the front door into the waiting room depends upon the best websites for doctors, including captivating blogging topics, creative graphic design, and easy to navigate menu choices.
Functional website design for physicians, like websites everywhere, may very likely determine the success of your practice. While only 3% to 4% of internet users have posted online health care or provider reviews, the majority of people looking for medical advice and seeking appointments are looking online. Are you controlling what they see when they visit your page?