Millions of people visit Zocdoc each month (via the website or our free app) to schedule care with nearly 100,000 providers across all 50 states and every specialty. Patients tell us minute by minute exactly what they’re looking for with their clicks. This gives us unique insight into what patients want, which providers can leverage to attract and retain new patients.
By analyzing patients’ 2023 booking data, we identified the key attributes driving the highest number of bookings. Convenience stands out as a top priority for patients as they seek access to care that suits their preferences for timing, location and method (in-person vs. virtual).
Implementing these 4 strategies can help you reach new patients and grow your business.
1. Unlock 24/7 booking access
Nearly half of all bookings on Zocdoc are made when the doctors’ office is closed, showing that patients want to be able to schedule visits when it’s convenient for them. Offering 24/7 online booking means your front desk is never closed for scheduling, allowing you to meet patients’ needs.
48% of appointments are created “after hours” (5 p.m. to 9 a.m. local time).
52% of appointments are created during “work hours” (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time).
2. Offer the best of both worlds: in-person and virtual
While the pandemic greatly expanded virtual care, our data shows that patients are still predominantly looking for in-person care, except when it comes to mental health. Instead of settling for one, offer the best of both worlds. Giving patients the flexibility to see providers in-person and virtually leads to significantly more bookings.
Providers (with the exception of mental health) who offer both virtual and in-person visits receive 51% more bookings than those that offer in-person only and 217% more than virtual-only providers.
3. Shorten the commute
If you’re wondering where to open new clinics or spend your marketing budget, it’s important to know how far patients are willing to travel. According to the data, regardless of whether visits are in-person or virtual, folks prefer to see providers close to home.
Almost 4 in 5 physical appointments are within 20 miles, indicating patients’ preference for proximity. 48% of virtual appointments are within 20 miles of the patient, vs. 79% of in-person appointments.
4. Pick your platform wisely
For the majority of bookings, mobile is the preferred option. In 2023, 66% of bookings were made on mobile devices. However, older patients prefer booking via desktop – 54% of bookers 69+ booked on desktop, vs. 31% of older GenZ.
In order to maximize the age range of potential patients, it’s crucial to have a platform like Zocdoc that makes your practice accessible for both desktop and mobile bookings.
In today’s fast-paced world, booking a doctor’s appointment should be as effortless as ordering takeout or a car service. In other words, it’s all about convenience. This means meeting patients where they are – offering 24/7 booking access, flexibility to see doctors in-person or virtually, nearby locations and embracing both desktop and mobile users.
Consult with an enterprise sales representative to learn more about how Zocdoc can grow your business and discover more data-driven insights in The Provider’s Guide to Patient Preferences.