Your home page should be a central hub for both new and returning patients. To help patients connect with providers from the moment they land on your website, implement key features such as a “find a doctor” search, self-scheduling options, and access to various methods of care.
Find a Doctor Search
As soon as someone lands on your home page, the process for finding a specialist should be clear. Provide an easily visible “Find a Doctor” section near the top of your website so visitors don’t have to scroll to locate it. Include a search bar that allows people to type a specific condition, location, or even doctor name to begin their search. After inputting their information, visitors should be redirected from your home page to a results page so they can review the results and refine their search as needed.
Bonus Tip: In addition to a “Find a Doctor” option, you can also include a “Find a Location” option in this home page feature, which will allow patients to jump right into a search specific to nearby facilities and providers.
Self-Scheduling Options
Around 68% of healthcare consumers say they prefer health systems that offer online appointment scheduling, and 94% of patients are willing to switch to a new practice that offers the feature. Providing a self-scheduling option on your home page is key to improving the patient experience. Can people schedule an appointment as soon as they land on your home page, or do they have to scour your site for a scheduling portal? Make a “Schedule Your Appointment Now” button visible at the top of your home page, near the “Find a Doctor” section.
Bonus Tip: Make sure all buttons and CTAs are optimized for both mobile and web experiences so site visitors aren’t confused by different versions.
Access to Various Methods of Care
From same-day scheduling to virtual, on-demand appointments, people who land on your website want to know what options are available to them. Create a section of your home page dedicated to various care formats, and include links to separate pages with more information about each option. For example, if you offer same-day care, provide a button that redirects to your scheduling system for in-person appointments. If you have on-demand services, create a button that moves patients seamlessly into the queue for a virtual visit with a provider.
Bonus Tip: Patients want information quickly and easily. Keep your CTAs brief so that they don’t take up too much space on the home page. The fewer steps there are between your home page and a visit (whether virtual or in-person), the more likely patients are to complete the visit process.
For Returning Patients: Portal Access
When new patients land on your site, they’ll be most interested in finding a doctor and/or location that’s most suitable for them. However, your home page should also be user-friendly for returning patients—and one of their top priorities will be accessing their information in your online portal. Whether they want to schedule with a trusted provider, renew a prescription by connecting with your nursing staff, or simply pay a bill, it’s important to have a link on your home page that directs to your patient portal. Make sure the button is easily visible for returning patients but not distracting for new visitors.
Transform Your Home Page
Without the important features above, patients might leave your website without taking action. Provide clear next steps for all the most common interests, whether it’s finding a new provider, scheduling with a past one, or getting immediate access to a virtual visit. If you’re not sure how to take the next steps, our team at Unleashed would be happy to talk to you about updates you can make on your site to better engage your patients and increase appointment volume.
