How important is HTTPS encryption for your medical website?

As a doctor, you are probably getting calls nearly every day from an online marketing professional like me.  So, rather than call you and interrupt you about the importance of HTTPS, I'll tell you more about it here in today's post.

So, let's start with the definition,  

HTTPS (also called HTTP over TLS,[1][2] HTTP over SSL,[3] and HTTP Secure[4][5]) is a protocol for secure communication over a computer network which is widely used on the Internet. HTTPS consists of communication over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) within a connection encrypted by Transport Layer Security or its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer. The main motivation for HTTPS is authentication of the visited website and to protect the privacy and integrity of the exchanged data. - Wikipedia.org

I am going to focus on the importance of "protecting the privacy and integrity of the exchanged data."  

1. If you are using forms so potential patients can contact your practice, your website needs to be HTTPS.  HIPPA related info should be protected at all times! It's that simple.  
2. If you are are you using CareCredit applications or other credit company forms inside your site, your website needs to be HTTPS encrypted.
3. It also helps you prevent from being hacked.  Amazon is HTTPS secure. Google is HTTPS secure.  Your bank's website is HTTPS secure.  Your medical website for your practice should be HTTPS secure!  The photo above is an example of a dentist's website in Texas that got hacked because he wasn't protected by HTTPS. 
4. Google says it's important, so that should get your attention.  They are also hinting at it affecting your ranking.  In August 2014, Google said, 

Security is a top priority for Google... Beyond our own stuff, we’re also working to make the Internet safer more broadly. A big part of that is making sure that websites people access from Google are secure.  

You can read their thoughts on this subject here.

At DoctorLogic, ALL of our websites are HTTPS encrypted.  As a matter of fact, we don't charge extra for it either.  It's included, just like everything else... rich detailed Microdata, FREE Google Updates, FREE Technology Updates and more.  Learn more about the most advanced medical website platform here.

It's OK to be late to the game, but now you know and you should be responsible enough to protect yourself and your patients!  If you are working with a web vendor that is going to charge you extra to upgrade to HTTPS, we should talk.

If you found today's post helpful, you can read over 50 other articles related to marketing your healthcare practice online by following this link.

To your success!

John Vakidis

I'm a Partner with DoctorLogic.  We offer a medical website platform that provides plug-ins and websites built for 1 million doctors and dentists across 150 medical specialties. 

When I'm not working, I am spending time with my wife & son or servant leading at my church. I love to travel, grill out with friends and I'm a huge fan of MMA.

Do you have questions about marketing your practice more effectively online?  If so, shoot me an email to [email protected] or call me at 469-458-7126.