Hi there. How can we help?

Breakdown of Google's 'Book Online' Feature Follow

In this article, we will breakdown Google's 'Book Online' Feature and how you can use it to help promote your practice. 

Contents:

 

How to Boost Patient Bookings with Google’s ‘Book Online’ Feature

Everyday, patients across Australia use search engines like Google to find and connect with their healthcare providers. And at Healthengine, it’s our mission to improve patient access to healthcare.

That’s why we’ve collaborated with Google to launch an exciting new feature: the ‘Book Online’ button. This tool allows patients to book appointments directly from your Google Business Profile, streamlining the process and filling your schedule faster.

 

What is Google’s ‘Book Online’ Feature?

Google has introduced a new ‘Book Online’ feature as part of its Google Business Profile product. Healthengine has integrated with Google to make the feature available to general practices (GPs). This exciting new feature is offered to GP practice customers with no additional subscription fees payable. However, applicable usage fees will still apply for bookings made via Healthengine through this integration.

Firstly, what is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Google Maps. It provides essential information to potential customers, including:

  • Business name and location: Address, phone number, and website link
  • Operating hours: Opening and closing times
  • Reviews and ratings: Customer feedback which helps build trust
  • Photos and updates: Visual content, promotions, and business updates
  • Booking and appointment links: Features like the ‘Book Online’ button for seamless appointment scheduling

What is the ‘Book Online’ Feature?

The ‘Book Online’ feature allows patients to schedule appointments directly from Google Search results via your Google Business Profile, reducing friction and simplifying the process.

 

How Does the ‘Book Online’ Feature Work?

  1. When patients search for your practice, or a nearby GP on Google Search or Maps, they’ll see a ‘Book Online’ button on your Google Business Profile.
  2. Clicking ‘Book Online’ reveals your real-time schedule powered by Healthengine, allowing patients to book an appointment directly. It’s a quicker way for patients to access your calendar via the Healthengine website and app.
  3. As the ‘Book Online’ button is integrated with Healthengine, it includes all the classic features of your subscription with us—like live availability for practice management software integrated practices, appointment reminders, and digital new patient forms.

Check out the video below to see how it works:

 

How Will it Benefit Your Practice?

This new feature will make booking with your practice easier than ever and may help to boost your bookings. Here are all the great benefits:

  • Drive patient growth: Patients searching for local GPs, including with geographic terms like ‘near me’ on Google Search or Maps, now have a seamless path to book directly from a practice’s Google Business Profile. This may help to reduce drop-offs and increase appointment volumes, offering a competitive advantage to practices leveraging this innovation.

  • Secure and private by design: With patient data protection paramount, all bookings are handled with robust levels of encryption and privacy on the Healthengine platform. We will never pass patient data to Google through this integration.
  • No additional subscription fees: This innovative feature is part of Healthengine’s commitment to supporting your practice growth and innovation, adding value with no additional subscription cost, however applicable usage fees will still apply for bookings made via Healthengine through this integration.

 

How Can You Access the Google Business Profile ‘Book Online’ button?

The Google Business Profile ‘Book Online’ button is now available to all Healthengine General Practice customers! 

We’re proud to offer this capability to you as part of our commitment to driving your success. No action is required from you if you meet the above criteria. If this isn’t for you, please get in touch to opt out of our roll out.

 

Google Integration Explained: A Healthengine Webinar

Check out the below webinar to understand how the integration:

  • Increases your practice’s visibility on Google Search and Maps
  • Simplifies patient scheduling with just one click
  • Fills your schedule faster with minimal effort
  • Drives patient growth without any extra work on your part

And learn the top tips for how to maximise this feature!

 

If you experience any issues, need assistance with making changes, or would like to organise some time to run through this feature, please reach out to our friendly Healthengine Support Team via phone, live chat or email support@healthengine.com.au.

 

Article is closed for comments.

Comments

Have more questions? Submit a request