Strengths and Deficiencies in the Content of US Radiology Private Practices' Websites.

PURPOSE: The Internet provides a potentially valuable mechanism for radiology practices to communicate with patients and enhance the patient experience. The aim of this study was to assess the websites of US radiology private practices, with attention to the frequency of content of potential patient interest.

METHODS

The 50 largest private practice radiology facilities in the United States were identified from RadiologyBusiness.com. Websites were reviewed for information content and functionality.

RESULTS

Content regarding radiologists' names, medical schools, residencies, fellowships, photographs, and board certification status; contact for billing questions; and ability to make online payments was present on 80% to 98% of sites. Content regarding examination preparation, contrast use, examination duration, description of examination experience, scheduling information, directions, privacy policy, radiologists' role in interpretation, and ACR accreditation was present on 60% to 78%. Content regarding accepted insurers, delivery of results to referrers, report turnaround times, radiologists' years of experience, radiation safety, and facility hours was present on 40% to 58%. Content regarding technologist certification, registration forms, instructions for requesting a study on disc, educational videos, and patient testimonials was present on 20% to 38%. Content regarding examination prices, patient satisfaction scores, peer review, online scheduling, online report and image access, and parking was present on <20%.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiology practices' websites most frequently provided information regarding their radiologists' credentials, as well as billing and payment options. Information regarding quality, safety, and the examination experience, as well as non-payment-related online functionality, was less common. These findings regarding the most common deficiencies may be useful for radiology practices in expanding their websites' content, thereby improving communication and potentially the patient experience.