Why Every Medical Practice Needs a Website
In today’s digital era, more and more people are searching online before scheduling an appointment with a doctor. This shift prompts the question: Should established medical professionals with a full schedule from referrals invest in a website? The answer is yes!
Did you know that to meet the criteria for tax deductions and prevent a payroll tax audit, compliance with the Australian Taxation Office requires medical practices to advertise their services? Independent medical and health contractors who do not have a website may risk losing tax breaks.
Here we highlight the importance of a website that adheres to the advertising guidelines set by the National Law for both new and established medical professionals, including individual practitioners and medical facilities.
Reasons why GPs will need their own website
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reinforced a High Court decision mandating that contractors create their individual websites. This has escalated into a critical tax concern for both providers and practices.
This applies universally to all medical and health contractors, irrespective of their field, whether they are self-employed or part of a company. The ruling, following a High Court appeal, is now in effect.
Each contractor or tenant doctor must possess an individual website and domain name, separate from the practices, although linking them is acceptable. This separation is crucial to be viewed as a legitimate business entity for tax purposes.
Concerns arise from the ATO’s data-sharing laws, which could easily detect discrepancies in reporting, such as income associated with the wrong Australian Business Number (ABN). This can lead to non-compliant practices being treated as employers for various tax and regulatory purposes.
Key reasons why every medical professional needs a website
- Establish credibility: A professional website enhances your practice’s reputation by showcasing updated medical technologies and adherence to online marketing best practices. Displaying staff credentials, accolades, and patient testimonials fosters trust among potential patients.
- Connectivity to healthcare apps: Your website allows registration with online healthcare platforms, serving as a directory where patients can locate and schedule appointments, augmenting traffic and credibility through reviews.
- Amplified visibility: An online presence ensures accessibility and information availability around the clock, aiding patients in discovering your practice through optimized search engine rankings.
- Diverse patient channels: Relying solely on traditional methods for acquiring new patients may not suffice in the evolving healthcare landscape. A website offers cost-effective advertising and communication avenues.
- Increased Appointments: Features like appointment requests and patient registration streamline the booking process, reducing wait times and enriching patient experiences. Websites with user-engagement features facilitate continuous accessibility to practice information.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Website features such as FAQs, appointment requests, and medical record access reduce administrative burdens, optimizing office functionality.
- Competitive Edge: In today’s online-oriented environment, having a website and active social media accounts is imperative to remain relevant and competitive in the healthcare landscape.
Find out how we can help you
Partnering with a professional web service provider ensures compliance with guidelines while establishing an effective online presence.
Contact us today to see how we can help you craft a compliant website aligned with the Medical Board of Australia’s Guidelines for Advertising of Regulated Health Services.