An online presence is a valuable asset for a general practice, but it can be expensive and technically daunting. As a result, few surgeries have a website.
However, three organisations provide free personalised websites, specifically tailored for general practice. All are easy to set up and maintain, and contain no advertising.
An alternative is to simply enter your details in a free online directory.
Free websites
1. Your Health newsletter
Your Health is a peer-reviewed health education newsletter for patients, printed with your practice information. Subscribers now receive a free, integrated practice website. As the information changes on the website, it is automatically updated in the newsletter.
The website displays your practice details, as published in the newsletter. You can also create unlimited custom pages and upload photos, a location map, links and forms for patients to download.
HeaIth resources include all past articles from Your Health, extensive website links, a medicine guide, a medical dictionary, health tools and calculators, and links to healthy recipes. Patients can also register to receive regular updates by email.
The web address format is www.yourhealth.net.au/practicename. To see a sample, go to www.yourhealth.net.au/olympic.
2. myDr
myDr is a reputable website providing comprehensive information for patients. It is a product of the MIMS Consumer Health Group, a division of CMPMedica.
You can set up a basic seven-page practice website with fixed page headings on the myDr site. A simple wizard helps you add text and upload photos of the practice and staff.
Prospective patients can search the myDr data base of about 700 listed sites for a practice in their area. They can also access reliable health information by returning to the main myDr website, which contains advertising.
Each website also has its own URL for direct access by patients in the form of ww.mydr.com.au/Practice!practicename. To see a sample, visit www.mydr.com.au/Practice/yarralumla_surgery
3. FamilyGP
Merck Sharp & Dohme provides free websites for GPs at this site.
The setup process is easy with a five-step wizard to help you enter text and photos of the practice and GPs. You can create a 10-page website with fixed page headings.
There is a facility to print a simple newsletter containing practice information and the health article of the month.
Health resources consist of about six articles provided by CMPMedica, changed monthly, and links to three websites: Merck Manual, myDr and MASTA Travel Health. You can also add links to your own site.
The format for individual sites is www.familygp.com.au/practicename. To see a sample, visit www.familygp.com.au/yourhealth
Free online directories
A simple alternative to a website is to register your details with an online directory. Some online directories offer free listings to doctors.
Patients looking for a new doctor can search the directories or may come across entries when using a search engine.
Directories can also re-direct visirors to your website if you have one. Directories include:
RACGP
It has a 'Find A Practice' tool on its website with almost 2000 practices listed. All doctors in the college QA&CPD program can be listed on this directory.
Ph: 1800 331 626
www.racgp.org.au/findapractice
email: findapractice@racgp.org.au
Health and business directories
Some provide a free entry, which can be upgraded for a fee to a premium listing:
* Australian Health Directory: www.healthdirectory.com.au
* The Medical Directory of Australia: www.mda.com.au
* HealthEngine Australia: www.healthengine.com.au
* Zing Health:www.zinghealth-au.com.au
* Hotfrog: www.hotfrog.com.au
Government directories
* Department of Human Services, Victoria
http://humanservicesdirectory.vic.gov.au
* Queensland Health (QFinder)
www.health.qld.gov.au
Divisions of general practice
Some divisions of general practice list GP contact details online. A small number display a full page of information, pictures and a location map. Check your division’s website.
A web presence doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, and doesn't require fancy technical skills. Many patients are web savvy and go online to find medical services and information and expect you to be there, like other businesses. So, what are you waiting for?
Dr Colin Mendelsohn
3 September 2009