The easiest and fastest way to find information on any subject today is via an online search over the Internet. With a horde of options at their disposal to select from, the question that medical practices need to answer is this – Why should a potential patient come to us?

Blame it on the digital age, but today’s market is online and your medical practice website is in essence a virtual storefront for your practice. Like it or not, potential patients will determine whether or not to consult with you based on the kind of impression your medical or dental practice website delivers. This is why, maintaining a quality website is of paramount importance for any medical practice.

Here are five essential elements that every dental or medical practice website should focus on.

Patient Resources – The number of Internet users looking for health related information over the web is increasing by the minute. Featuring accurate and relevant data as well as the latest facts and news on popular health topics and issues is the best way to establish your credibility with Google and subsequently build trust with potential patients.

Updates and Latest News – Keep your website active by constantly adding new articles, updating your blogs, and including the latest news items in addition to providing visitors with other health related alerts or updates. Showing you are up to date with the latest happenings is one of the best ways to enhance patient trust and to build an image as the “go-to-expert,” in your area of specialization. Of course current updates also feed search engine spiders who will reward you with a higher search ranking.

Services and Insurance – Information on the services you provide as well as insurance plans you accept is another critical feature that potential patients will look for in a medical or dental practice website.

Patient Forms – By including patient forms in your medical or dental practice website you make it easy for patients to communicate with your staff. These forms can be used to schedule appointments, register for treatment and services or even to access important information.

Contact Information – Contact information should be displayed prominently on every page of your website so potential patients don’t have to scramble back and forth trying to look up your address or phone number. Remember, most online visitors have a short attention span and if they can’t find what they want fast, they will move on!