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: Appointments Booking. This tool allows patients to book appointments directly from your Google Business Profile, streamlining the process and filling your schedule faster.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this feature, how it works, and why it’s a must-have for your practice. Let’s dive in!
What is Google’s ‘Appointments Booking’ feature?
Google has introduced a new ‘Appointments Booking’ 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 ‘Appointments Booking’ feature?
The ‘Appointments Booking’ 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 ‘Appointments Booking’ feature work?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How will it benefit your Healthcare 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 ‘Appointments Booking’ feature button?
The Google Business Profile ‘Appointments Booking’ feature 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. This will roll out from tomorrow. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Reserve with Google integration with Healthengine?
The new Reserve with Google integration lets patients book directly with your practice through the new ‘Book Online’ button on your Google Business Profile. When patients search for your practice, GPs, or other ‘near me’ geographic terms on Google Search or Maps, they can book an appointment seamlessly with your practice through Healthengine. Clicking ‘Book Online’ opens a dedicated window displaying your practice’s availability, allowing patients to book instantly.
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 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
Do I need to do anything to enable this feature?
No. The Reserve with Google integration will be rolled out automatically by us in collaboration with Google, so you can start seeing the benefits without any extra effort on your part.
Is there any extra cost for GP practices to use this feature?
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. We’re committed to helping your practice grow, and this tool is just one of the ways we’re adding value.
How does this integration benefit my practice?
This integration makes booking your practice easier than ever for patients. By giving patients a quick and easy way to schedule appointments directly from Google, we’ll help you reach more patients and grow your business.
Is patient data secure with this integration?
Absolutely. All bookings are handled securely through the Healthengine platform, with robust encryption and privacy protections in place. We will never share patient data with Google through this integration.
What if I don’t want to use this feature?
You can easily opt out by reaching out to the Healthengine team on support@healthengine.com.au, and we’ll opt you out within five working days.
How does the ‘Book Online’ button work?
When patients search for your practice or a nearby GP, they’ll see a ‘Book Online’ button on your Google Business Profile. A single click will take them directly to your booking form on Healtheninge, where they can schedule an appointment with you at their convenience.
When will this feature be available for my practice?
The integration will begin rolling out on the 6th of February 2025 for all of Healthengine’s GP practice customers. Once it’s live, it will automatically appear on your Google Business Profile.
How can this feature increase bookings for my practice?
By making the booking process quick and easy, patients may be more likely to follow through and schedule an appointment. The streamlined experience may help to reduce drop-offs and improve booking conversion rates, helping you attract more patients.
Do I need to update my Google Business Profile?
No. Healthengine will handle all the setup and integration with your Google Business Profile, but it’s worth double checking all your contact details are up to date on both Healthengine and Google to ensure you’re matched correctly.
Can I manage this within my own Google Business Profile?
No. Google has collaborated with Healthengine as a leading healthcare booking provider to help set this up for practices and is not offering it as a service to individual clinics.
What if I have more questions or need assistance?
If you have any questions or need help with the new integration, feel free to reach out to your Customer Success Manager or our Customer Support chat, email or phone line.
I can’t see the Book Online button on my profile.
If you can’t see the ‘Book Online’ button on your Google Business Profile, there are a few things to double check. Ensure you are publishing appointments on your Healthengine profile. Also ensure that your address, phone number and business name are the same on your Healthengine profile as they are on your Google Business Profile. After 24 hours, if it’s still not working, please get in touch.
Ready to step up your practice growth and patient experience?
Speak to a Healthengine consultant to find out more about Healthengine’s collaboration with Google
and how the ‘Appointments Booking’ feature can benefit your practice.
