The Top Features Patients Expect from Healthcare Providers
November 21, 2024
Marketing
Let’s be honest—our phones are no longer just for texting or scrolling through social media. They’re our lifeline to nearly everything, from managing work to tracking our health. For your patients, their phone is their healthcare hub. They expect to book appointments, view test results, and communicate with you—all with a few taps. As a healthcare provider, this shift isn’t just something to keep up with; it’s an opportunity to reshape how you engage with patients, improve their experience, and turn them into loyal advocates. Ready to make your practice as accessible and engaging as a patient’s phone? Let’s dive in.
Your website isn’t just the first impression of your practice; it’s likely the first touchpoint for patients—and more often than not, they’re engaging with it through their mobile phones. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you're sending potential patients straight to your competitors. The expectations are high: patients want a seamless, fast, and easy experience.
Is your site mobile-friendly, fast, and easy to navigate? Does it give patients everything they need—whether it's service details, appointment bookings, or patient portals—right at their fingertips? A smooth, mobile-responsive site can make all the difference. Remember, when your practice feels easy to access and navigate, patients are more likely to stick around and choose you for their care.
Think about it: when was the last time you waited around for anything? Patients are used to instant access for everything—whether it’s ordering food, streaming their favorite show, or chatting with friends. Why should healthcare be any different?
Telemedicine is the key to answering that demand. More patients are turning to telehealth as a way to bypass the time and stress involved in traditional appointments. Offering video consultations directly from mobile devices means patients can consult with you from anywhere—no waiting rooms, no time off work, and no added stress. Integrating telemedicine into your practice meets patients where they are and offers them the convenience they crave.
Gone are the days when patients had to call your office or wait on hold just to schedule an appointment. Mobile phones allow patients to book, change, and even cancel appointments at their convenience—without having to interact with anyone.
If you’re still relying on traditional methods like phone calls for appointment scheduling, it’s time for a change. A mobile-friendly, online booking system that integrates directly with your practice’s calendar makes it easier than ever for patients to book their next visit. Automated reminders via text or email further eliminate confusion and keep appointments front-of-mind. A simple and efficient booking process isn’t just more convenient; it increases patient retention, too.
Health management isn’t a “one and done” activity anymore—patients are actively involved in tracking their health on a daily basis, using mobile devices to monitor everything from steps to sleep patterns to glucose levels. They want access to their health data at their fingertips.
By offering a patient portal or syncing with popular health apps, you allow patients to track their own health progress, view test results, and access care plans—whenever they need it. This empowers patients, making them more engaged with their care and more likely to stick with your practice. When patients feel in control of their health, they’re more motivated to take action and stay connected.
If you’re still relying on phone calls or emails to communicate with patients, you’re missing out. Patients want fast, easy communication—just like they’re used to with friends, family, and coworkers. Text messaging, patient portals, and apps are all preferred ways for patients to get in touch with you, ask questions, or follow up on care.
Implementing text reminders, updates, and direct communication options helps keep patients engaged. Whether it’s sending appointment reminders, follow-up messages, or simply answering quick questions, mobile communication builds trust and creates an ongoing relationship between you and your patients. Keeping the lines of communication open and accessible shows patients that their care matters to you—any time, anywhere.
Satisfied patients don’t just want to talk about their experiences—they want to share them. And in today’s mobile-first world, leaving a review or referring a friend is just a tap away.
After a successful visit, send patients a simple text with a direct link to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or your practice’s social media page. Positive reviews help your practice stand out from the crowd and boost your online reputation. Plus, when happy patients share their experiences, they’re more likely to refer their friends and family, helping your practice grow without extra effort.
Patients are becoming more proactive in their healthcare, and they expect to have access to information at any time. Offering educational content directly on their mobile devices allows them to engage with health topics between visits. Whether it’s tips on managing a chronic condition, understanding new treatment options, or preventive care advice, patients value being informed.
Create mobile-friendly content—blogs, videos, infographics—that patients can access anywhere, anytime. Not only does this empower patients to take charge of their health, but it also builds trust and positions your practice as a reliable resource for ongoing health education.
Embrace Mobile to Build Stronger Patient Connections
Patients are no longer waiting for answers—they expect them at their fingertips. Their mobile phones are their go-to tool for managing everything, including their health. If your practice isn’t meeting them where they are—on their phones—you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to connect, engage, and grow.
The good news? You don’t have to be a tech expert to tap into this shift. With solutions like DearDoc, you can deliver a patient experience that’s fast, convenient, and personalized, right from their mobile devices. Offering online scheduling, telemedicine, and seamless communication is easier than ever with the right tools in place.
Now is the time to transform the way you engage with your patients and make your practice more accessible and responsive than ever before. Ready to give your patients the mobile experience they expect and deserve? DearDoc is here to help you every step of the way. Let’s get started today!