How Adding Prices To Your Website Can Help Doctors Attract More Patients
How Adding Prices To Your Website Can Help Doctors Attract More Patients
When you consider ways to better serve your patients or gain a competitive edge, price transparency isn’t likely the first thing that comes to mind. Sharing price ranges simply isn’t the standard in any field of medicine. However, the cost of medical care procedures remains a trending search result in almost every state. Although prospective patients are searching, they aren’t finding the answers they are looking for.
Benefits of Price Transparency
Displaying prices can set a practice apart by demonstrating a commitment to honesty and patient-centered care. It reduces the anxiety associated with unknown costs and allows patients to make more informed decisions about their healthcare options.
Cost Ranges
While specific prices will vary based on location and provider, typical procedures often have a range that can be communicated to prospective patients. For instance, a routine dental cleaning might range from $75 to $200, whereas a more complex procedure like a dental crown could cost between $800 and $1,500. Providing these ranges helps set expectations and aids in financial planning for patients.
Local Tips for Patients
Patients should also consider checking if their local providers offer payment plans or discounts for uninsured patients. Many clinics are willing to discuss financial options to accommodate different budgets. Additionally, patients can look for community health events that might offer free or discounted services.
FAQs
- Why don't all providers list prices online? Many providers refrain from listing prices due to the variability in insurance coverage, procedural complexity, and individual patient needs, which can all affect final costs.
- How accurate are the online price ranges? While the ranges provide a general idea, actual costs can vary based on specific patient circumstances and additional treatments that may be necessary.
- Can I request a detailed estimate before treatment? Yes, most healthcare providers will offer a detailed cost estimate after an initial consultation and diagnosis.
Over 90% Of Patients Want To Know What They’ll Be Paying
It’s not just your uninsured patients who want to know what medical services cost, but 92% of all patients want to know what they’ll be paying ahead of time. This includes the services you provide that aren’t covered by insurance such as teeth whitening, braces, cosmetic doctorry, and more.
Even with insurance, deductibles can be high, and patients may find themselves rapidly maxing out their annual coverage. By adding your prices to your website, patients can budget for their medical care in advance. Or discuss your cash payment plan ahead of time. At the very least, they won’t be blindsided when asked to pay after their treatment is complete.
Genuine Comparison Shopping
The medical industry is one of the few industries that consumers cannot comparison shop. It is without a doubt a high priority to find a skilled doctor or specialized oral practitioner, and you deserve to be paid well for your services—but price matters too.
Currently, patients’ only way to research a doctor is by referrals and online reviews. To access pricing, they must call or email. Adding your prices saves your staff time and empowers your patients to make a fully-informed decision. It can also be an effective way to establish trust with new patients.
Competitive Edge
When a new or returning patient types “how much is a root canal” into their search engine of choice, most can’t find a definitive answer from local area doctors. I just typed it in myself and could not identify a local medical practice price list. Instead, I found a variety of articles that discuss pricing on general oral health care blogs.
The prices were segmented by front tooth, bicuspid, and molar. Then again by with and without insurance. The range varied by up to $400 on average. This is a big difference with plans that max out at the average of $1,500 in care per year. Also, for patients who are paying out of pocket.
By adding your pricing to your website and having outstanding online reviews, your price transparency can give you a competitive edge.
Ahead Of The Curve
Price transparency may be on the way for doctors in the next few years. As of January 1, 2021, the CARES Act has appointed price transparency as a federal rule for hospitals, outpatient departments, and ambulatory surgical centers. This means patients should now be able to go online and access the prices for any procedure they need to have. Currently, only about 60% of hospitals have posted limited data.
Several more phases of medical price transparency will go into effect over the next few years. Doctors are not currently included in any of these phases, but that is likely the direction things are going.
Is There Really A Reason Not To Add Your Pricing?
Patients call and ask for pricing anyway, so why not save your staff a bit of time by creating a pricing page on your website? This can include any cash plans you have for uninsured patients.
From a digital marketing standpoint, Weence is all for adding prices. Since it’s unlikely that your local competitors offer pricing on their website, it’s an effective organic search strategy. It can also rapidly build patient trust. Reach out today to learn more!
