title: Evaluating the Content of Family Physician Websites in the United States.
abstract: The Internet provides easier access to health information and has become a powerful resource for managing one's health. In addition to websites that provide general health information, physicians create personalized websites to give patients an overview of their practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate characteristics of family physician websites to determine the type of content provided. Over 900 family physicians from the US News & World Reports' best doctors list were reviewed to determine if a website existed. Then, each website was measured against seven main categories: information about the practice, medical information provided, communication, functionality, links, advertisements, and advanced tools. Although the majority provided basic information, only 21.4% had a website and most failed to provide additional information such as medical education, staff details, and accepted insurance. Furthermore, most physician websites were devoid of web 2.0 applications, despite the popularity of more tech-savvy services such as booking online appointments, social networking platforms, and patient portals. Because patients are becoming more consumer-centric about their health, physicians must keep up with technology in order to match patient expectations and preferences. Doing so will help attract new patients and has the ability to enhance the patient-provider relationship.
authors.forename: Jordan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Alpert
mesh_terms: D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010821:Physicians, Family; D014481:United States