Patients today expect the healthcare experience to be as fast and easy as booking a car service or ordering groceries for delivery. The problem: It’s often difficult to find even the most basic information in one place. Instead, patients have to piece together info from friends and family, insurance portals, or multiple Google searches. Once they finally call the provider’s office, it’s only to learn that they have to wait weeks to be seen. In fact, the average wait is 26 days –– far too long.
So what does it take for patients to feel confident and ready to book? Ensure your website or Zocdoc profile includes everything they need: up-to-date availability, accurate insurance information, and trustworthy reviews.
Patients want to be seen quickly
Patients care greatly about speed to care. Listing real-time, accurate appointment availability and giving patients the option to book instantly, any time day or night. Platforms like Zocdoc automatically keep this info up to date, so providers can fill last-minute cancellations and reschedules, ensuring bookings aren’t left on the table. Instead of waiting 26 days for an appointment, 1 in 3 patients on Zocdoc get seen within 48 hours. And nearly half get seen within 4 days.
Patients want to find in-network providers
Patients care about controlling costs with in-network care, so accepting as many types of insurance as possible can increase bookings. 97% of appointments on Zocdoc are booked with insurance. Providers on Zocdoc accept over 18,000 insurances, so patients can stay in-network.
Patients want to book with providers they can trust
Patients have more choice than ever and they’re discerning. Having excellent, verified reviews helps patients find the best fit. Building trustworthy relationships with providers ensures customer satisfaction. We’ve found this directly translates to patient loyalty. In fact, Zocdoc’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), which measures customer loyalty, satisfaction, and enthusiasm, is significantly higher than the industry average.
Patients are looking for a one-stop shop when it comes to booking healthcare visits. To acquire high-intent patients who are ready to book immediately, it’s key to clearly list your availability (more near-term appointments the better), accepted insurances, and have trustworthy reviews. Millions of patients search for new providers on Zocdoc every month, since they know they can find this info all in one place.