Experience in Web site development

Just as most healthcare groups are in the Dark Ages when it comes to harnessing the power of the computer, most healthcare organizations are clueless about how the world population is quickly using the Internet to access health information at their fingertips. If you do not have a presence on the Internet, you do not exist to all those patients suffering from spine problems around the nation. Without an Internet presence, your brand has an inherent weakness. From a practical standpoint, the Internet is by far the least expensive way to communicate with a prospective patient, a case manager or a potential referring physician. There is no printing cost, no cost for postage, and the site can be updated instantly. For the same ongoing price of communicating down the street, consumers in Hong Kong are a keystroke away. Prizm has some of the most impressive educational sites on the Web.

Most Web sites provide little content and act merely as a simplistic brochure pasted on the Internet

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The Internet has been growing exponentially, mainly because it is by far the most economical way to communicate with customers and prospects. Unlike newspaper ads, direct mail promotions, brochures, TV or radio – all of which target local geographic zip codes – the Internet provides an economical way to communicate with a universe of prospects that isn't limited geographically. An educational Internet site can reach people down the street or in Hong Kong.

Secondly, while brochures on paper become dated quickly, an electronic brochure on the Internet can be updated within minutes and at little expense.

Done improperly, for example, the healthcare provider can appear foolish at the hands of a general ad agency or web developer. That's because working with healthcare is not even remotely like other industries. For one, healthcare it is a considered purchase. Two, someone in pain is not receptive to tongue-in-cheek humor that may portray a healthcare provider as being insensitive to their current health care problem.

Creating a healthcare Web site is a specialized communication task requiring sensitivity to those who are seeking information about a health care problem, whether that be cancer, back pain, knee pain or male health problems. These people are NOT looking for glitzy entries that send them off looking for downloadable plug-ins to receive dancing text. These people want well-researched answers to their medical concerns and questions, something an ad agency creative or a web geek is unable to provide.

Instead, Prizm's Web sites are content-rich, online encyclopedias that create an educated consumer. We use information to position the client as the "EXPERT."

While there is no shortage of general ad agencies and web developers who are eager to try their hand at healthcare, the physician group is left playing the role of lab rat for these beginners to the industry.

Ad agencies and Web development firms don't know the difference between stenosis and spondylolysis. How can they play the role of educator when they don't understand the subject matter? Prizm has authored several books on back pain and knee pain. In addition, Prizm has 25 years of experience in healthcare, developing campaigns that have won more than nine national Touchstone Awards from the American Hospital Association. Prizm develops carefully-planned, content-rich Web sites for its clients. The sites have home remedy information and exercise programs that relieve pain; e-consultation pages that facilitate treatment by speeding communication between physicians; and highly educational material that informs readers about symptoms and treatment options.

Secondly, while brochures on paper become dated quickly, an electronic brochure on the Internet can be updated within minutes and at little expense. Because a healthcare provider is not a coffee vendor, creating a healthcare Web site is a specialized communication task. Done improperly, the healthcare provider can appear foolish. Prizm develops online encyclopedias of spine care information for its spine centers.

The sites have home remedy information and exercise programs for neck and back pain. The site also educates the back pain sufferer to pursue a conservative approach to their back or neck pain. Where surgery is required, information is provided on various types of spine surgery.

Facts about the Internet

The Internet is the fastest growing medium in history. In the early part of this century, it took radio 38 years to reach 50 million people. It took television 13 years. Currently, more than half the U.S. population is connected to the Internet.

Consumers are using the Internet as their healthcare educator. Physicians are reporting that more new patients in exam rooms are producing medical information printed out from Internet sites.

For the first time in history, a small business is now on equal footing with Fortune 500 companies.