Five Essential Ideas for Updating your Rheumatology Website in 2019

Every day, people are swarming the internet to find the things they are searching for. Whether it’s a hot new toy or a rheumatologist, people are starting their searches online. The question is, are they finding you? If your practice doesn’t have a quality website, chances are they are not. And unfortunately, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to attract new patients. It is a new year and if you haven’t already, it is definitely time to update that website. Whether you are looking to fine tune your current website, or perform a complete overhaul, here are five essential ideas for updating your rheumatology website in 2019.

 

Contact information.

This is so simple, but so important. Prominently display contact information on every page, preferably in the top right corner and include the address in the footer of each page. Also, do a quick Google search of your rheumatology practice to make sure it is showing up in local searches. Ensure all pertinent information is correct and to up to date.

 

Patient forms.

Make it easy for patients to schedule appointments, register and access important forms before they arrive at your office. Implement a patient portal, which is an essential resource. The patient portal provides patients with results, medication reminders, care plans and the opportunity to review information that they may have forgotten. It is also a great vehicle for asking important questions as they occur. A patient portal puts information into the hands of your patients and encourages them to take an active role in managing their care.

 

News and updates.

Refreshing your site with recent blogs, news and other alerts or updates will help build an online presence. It also allows patients to feel comfortable that their doctor is engaged and up to date on current issues. Creating and posting quality content will help your practice rank higher in search engines, making it easier to find.

 

Services and insurance.

Don’t make visitors endlessly search your site for the important things. Clearly list what services you provide or insurances you accept. Make this information easy to access and note whether there are special arrangements available. Be sure to include information about the rheumatologists at your practice. Writing a short bio with a small photo will make current and future patients feel more comfortable and confident about who is treating them.

 

Link to social media.

Use your web site to drive patients to your rheumatology clinic’s Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter account, LinkedIn profile and even YouTube channel if you have one. It’s 2019, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to embrace social media and make it work for you and your practice. In today’s world, it is critical to have a working social media strategy, even in the medical field.

 

Your website can be a great tool to inform and educate your patients; use it to build a relationship that goes beyond a few visits per year. Build a better website and watch your rheumatology practice grow.

  • As a speaker at the first ad hoc meeting of rheumatology practice managers gathered in a single small room at its infancy a decade ago, I’m amazed to see how NORM has blossomed into a high energy organization of depth and professional meetings with parallel break-out symposia between plenary sessions. NORM has truly come of age. This is where the “business” of rheumatology gets learned. The ”guildmanship” for rheumatology practice management is now strong.- Paul H. Caldron, DO, FACP, FACR, MBA, Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates
  • In a time of demanding changes in the management of medical practices in the US, NORM has been a lifesaver to the community of Rheumatology practices.  NORM has allowed our practice to stay ahead of the many demands of CMS and others payors and has ensured that our practice remains cognizant of new issues that arise in HIPPA compliance, human resources and medical billing to name a few. Sending our Practice Manager to NORM's conferences has been cost-effective and beneficial to our practice because she returns to our office with an abundance of information that otherwise would have taken months to compile. Every Rheumatology practice that wishes to stay on top of emerging issues in practice management should consider sending a member of their staff to NORM's conference.- Michael S. Rosen M.D., Chester County Rheumatology PC
  • Thanks to all those wonderful people in the NORM Network who respond to emails, offering their advice, experience, time, and support ... I haven't even been a member a full year yet and I am amazed at the dedication of everyone who responds to helping via emails and the NORM Organization itself! I have barely had a chance to explore the resources and I have yet to really dive into requests for help still I am silently learning so much and do occasionally offer what I can! Thank you all!- Cheryl Piambino, Kenneth E. Bresky, DO

What We Offer

We’re adding value to practices across the nation by creating a thriving community of rheumatology managers and physicians.

Our Mission

Membership Benefits

View Details

Become a Member

Join Now

Annual Conference

Learn More

Conference Registration

Register Now