
Website Pages Your Medical Practice Needs
Every medical practice needs a professional online presence. A well-structured website not only educates patients and shows your expertise – it also builds trust, increases referrals, and helps you get found online. If you’re a Canadian doctor in private practice or part of a clinic, we’ve created a checklist of the main pages you should have on your website to be successful online.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or revamping an existing website, creating these pages correctly can help you stand out online and make sure your website represents your medical clinic effectively.
Homepage
Your homepage is the first thing visitors will see when accessing your website. More specifically, users will fest see your main hero section – typically a background image, title, main headline, and call-to-action button. This section should very quickly explain to users who you are, what you offer, and who you work with. The call-to-action should be the main action you want users to take on your website. Think of your homepage as the digital front door to your practice – it should make people feel welcome and help them take the next step.
Additional sections on your home page should include:
- unique value proposition: 3-6 points that separates your clinic from others
- brief about section: a short intro paragraph about you & your clinic, try to include a personal image of yourself here to make your website seem more personable
- a list of your services, as well as link to each page you have a service for
Make sure it works well on mobile and loads quickly. A polished homepage goes a long way toward making a good first impression. You can also include a short patient testimonial (if allowed in your province) or a recent update such as new hours or services.
For more guidance, see our post on fixing homepage design mistakes.
About the Doctor / About the Clinic
The ‘About’ page helps visitors get to know who you are. Include details regarding your qualifications, medical background, and why you chose this profession – this helps increase credibility with website visitors.
Sharing a bit of your story adds a personal touch. Patients are more likely to trust someone they feel they can relate to. If you trained at a well-known university or hospital, mention it. It gives patients more confidence in your experience.
You might also want to include a brief description of your practice philosophy. For example, you could mention your focus on preventative care, building long-term relationships, or using evidence-based medicine.
If you work with a team, include a list of your team members as well with a picture/name/title at minimum. You could take it a step further and have individual bio pages for each team member with a longer description and even ways to get in contact.
Service Page(s)
We always recommend to have a page for each of your services rather than having all your services listed on one page. This helps with SEO and makes it easier for patients to find what they need.
Include who each service is for and what patients can expect. Use plain language and keep it patient-friendly. You want someone to read your description and immediately feel, “Yes, this is what I need.”
By creating relevant service pages, it not only helps with user epxerience so they can find exactly what they’re looking for, you can also better rank each of these services on search engines.
You can also link to relevant blog posts from your services page, creating a more helpful user journey. For example, our post on how a website can grow your clinic shares insights on attracting new patients.
Contact Page
Include your clinic’s phone number, email, and a contact form if applicable.
Be sure to add your address, hours of operation, and a map or directions. This is especially helpful for patients looking for care nearby. Embedding a Google Map makes it easy for users on mobile to find directions instantly and can help increase your rankings on Google Maps as well.
For local SEO, make sure your name, address, and phone number match exactly with what you have listed on Google. This consistency builds trust with both patients and search engines.
You can also mention response times for email or form submissions, and include a note on how quickly patients can expect a reply.
Booking or Patient Portal Page
Let patients book appointments online whenever possible. Online booking makes your clinic more accessible and efficient, and will even save you lots of time and headaches!
You can read more about how this improves patient satisfaction in this article from Arya Health.
If you use a patient portal, include the login link and explain what patients can do there – view lab results, message the clinic, request renewals, etc.
Be sure the system is secure and that patients know not to use it for emergencies. You might also want to add a short FAQ about using the portal to help patients who are less tech-savvy.
Online booking is particularly helpful for younger patients who prefer digital interactions. It can also reduce phone traffic and free up your administrative staff.
Referrals Page
If your practice requires referrals for specialist care, it’s helpful to include a dedicated Referrals page. This page can outline:
- Which services or specialists require a referral
- Who can send referrals (e.g. family doctors, walk-in clinics)
- How referrals should be submitted (email, fax, secure portal)
- Any required forms or documentation
- How long patients can expect to wait for a call back
This makes it easier for referring providers and patients to understand your intake process and expectations. If possible, include a downloadable referral form and contact information or a form upload option to send you over the referral.
Clear instructions reduce back-and-forth, streamline communication, and show that your practice is organized and respectful of both patient and provider time.
Testimonials or Reviews
Patient reviews help build trust. Some provinces restrict how doctors can use testimonials in advertising, so always check your regulatory body’s rules.
For example, Ontario doctors should avoid adding testimonials directly on the site, as outlined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
If allowed in your province, use quotes with permission and avoid anything that might seem exaggerated. Focus on general feedback such as “the clinic was clean and welcoming” rather than anything that promises outcomes.
Alternatively, you can also link to your Google Reviews or RateMDs profile if you want to highlight patient experiences without directly displaying testimonials on your website.
FAQ Page
Answer common questions patients might have before they call.
This can include appointment policies, what to bring, cancellation rules, and whether referrals are needed. If you offer both walk-in and booked appointments, clarify that here.
A good FAQ page reduces confusion and can even help reduce phone calls to your office. It also helps patients feel prepared for their visit, which adds to their comfort and trust.
You might also want to include tech-related questions if you offer virtual visits, such as how to connect, what devices work best, and whether the appointment is covered by insurance.
Blog or Resources
Publishing helpful articles shows you care about patient education and can improve your Google ranking.
Even short articles like “Tips for Flu Season” or “When to Visit a Doctor vs. a Walk-In Clinic” can make a difference. Focus on common concerns your patients ask you about – this type of content will naturally attract search traffic.
Just be clear that your content is general info – not personal medical advice. The CPSO has guidance on how to handle health information online.
A regularly updated blog signals that your practice is active and engaged. It can also help you stand out if you’re in a competitive area.
Looking for ideas? Check out our guide for Doctor Website Best Practices for 2025.
Location Page (Optional)
If you have more than one clinic, create a page for each location.
Include parking info, transit options, and accessibility notes if relevant. Embed a Google Map to make it easier for patients to find you. You can also include photos of the entrance or waiting room, which helps patients know what to expect.
Mention any special features of each location (e.g. free parking, close to transit, extended evening hours).
Having a separate page for each location is good for SEO, especially if each clinic serves a different neighbourhood or city.
Privacy Policy and Terms
Every Canadian doctor website should have a privacy policy. This explains how you collect and use patient data.
Include how patient information from contact forms or booking tools is stored. The CMPA provides sample wording for terms of use and privacy.
Also include a disclaimer that your website content is not a substitute for personal medical advice. If you use third-party tools like Google Analytics or Mailchimp, disclose that as well.
Being upfront about privacy reassures patients that you take their data seriously. It also helps you stay compliant with PIPEDA and other Canadian privacy laws.
Set Your Clinic’s Website Up for Success
You don’t need a huge website – just the right pages that help patients get to know you, understand your services, and to display relevant contact and referral information
If you’re missing any of the above, it’s worth updating. A well-structured site not only looks professional – it can help patients find you, feel confident in your care, and take that next step to book.
In a digital-first world, your website often acts as your front desk, business card, and first consultation all in one. Taking time to get these pages right is one of the best things you can do for your doctor’s office.
As one of the top web designers for Doctors in Canada, Mendel Sites can help you build a custom, results-drive website for your practice. Book a free discovery call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pages should a doctor’s website have?
Most practices benefit from 5-6 main pages, including homepage, services, about, faq, and booking. Of course, each clinic is different and should have enough pages that work for them. However, you shouldn’t add pages just for the sake of having more information. Each page should be relevant and serve a purpose.
Should I include a blog on my clinic website?
Yes, if you have the time or help to maintain it. Even one post per month can improve SEO and build trust with patients. However, if you’re going to create 1 or 2 blog posts then not create another for several years, there is no point and can actually make your business seem less professional. Blogging is great if you have the time to do so!
Do I need a privacy policy on my medical website?
Absolutely. In Canada, privacy policies are required to explain how you handle personal information collected online.
What if I offer both in-person and virtual care?
Mention both clearly on your website. Let patients know how to book each type, what platforms you use for virtual visits, and what to expect. Including this info helps set expectations and makes the process smoother for everyone.