ASC Websites Requirements & Why WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance Matters

In today's digital-first healthcare landscape, a well-optimized and accessible website is not just a marketing tool for surgery centers—it's a necessity.

Patients and their families are increasingly turning to the internet to find healthcare providers, learn about procedures, and schedule appointments. A surgery center’s website must not only provide clear, informative content but also ensure it is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, and in compliance with best practices under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While the WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines are not legally mandated in the U.S., they are commonly referenced in courts as a standard for making websites accessible to people with disabilities.

Look for a credible provider who specializes in optimizing healthcare websites, ensuring they meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance while also offering a user-friendly experience that boosts your search engine rankings.

What Every Surgery Center Website Needs

1. Clear and Comprehensive Information

• Services Offered: A detailed breakdown of all procedures and treatments offered.
• Physician and Staff Bios: Qualifications, certifications, and specialties of surgeons and medical staff.
• Patient Education: Resources that explain what patients should expect before, during, and after procedures, including FAQs and preparation guides.
• Accreditations and Certifications: Display of industry accreditations (e.g., AAAASF, AAAHC, or Joint Commission) to build credibility.

2. Legal and Compliance Considerations

• ADA Compliance: Ensure your website adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While the ADA itself doesn’t specifically mention WCAG 2.1 Level AA, these guidelines are often used as a reference point in legal cases concerning website accessibility.
• HIPAA Compliance: Ensure that the website follows data security practices in line with HIPAA regulations and includes a clear privacy policy and provides Section 508 compliance.
• Informed Consent and Legal Documents: Provide downloadable consent forms and legal documents patients may need before surgery.
• Insurance and Financial Information: Transparent details about accepted insurance providers and pricing options.

3. Patient Portal

• Appointment Scheduling: Make it easy for patients to schedule consultations or procedures online. PreferredMD offers a robust and easy to use patient portal that solves much more complex issues than just appointment scheduling.
• Medical Records Access: A secure, accessible portal where patients can review their medical history, surgical details, and post-op instructions.

4. Online Reviews and Testimonials

• Patient Testimonials: Showcasing written or video testimonials of patient experiences builds trust.
• Third-Party Reviews:Integration of reviews from platforms such as Google or Healthgrades. Reviews on PreferredMD.com helps new patients connect with the facilities surgeons.

5. Patient Forms and Resources

• Downloadable Forms: Provide pre-op forms, medical history documents, and consent forms for patients. PreferredMD offers a comprehensive set of online forms and documents ensuring patients have access to everything they need.
• Post-Operative Instructions: Easily accessible guides on post-surgery care accessible directly from the patient portal

6. Accessibility and Usability

• User-Friendly Design: A clean, intuitive navigation structure that’s easy for all users.
• Mobile-Friendly: Ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile devices, as more patients access healthcare information on the go.
• WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance: Make sure your site meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA), which provide recommendations to ensure that your site is accessible to users with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.

7. Contact Information and Location

• Multiple Contact Options: Include phone numbers, email addresses, and an easy-to-use contact form.
• Location Details: Provide clear directions, maps, and parking information for your surgery center.
• Operating Hours: Clearly display office hours and emergency contact protocols.

8. Engaging Visuals and Videos

• Facility Tours: Videos or images of your surgery center help patients feel more comfortable before visiting.
• Educational Videos: Featuring video explanations of procedures or patient success stories.

Asynchronous pre-op patient video

9. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• SEO Best Practices: Use keywords, alt text for images, structured data, and schema to increase your visibility in search engine results.
• Call-to-Action (CTA): Encouraging visitors to schedule consultations, contact your office, or learn more about specific procedures.

10. Blog or Resource Section

• Educational Content: Keep patients informed about new treatments and tips for aftercare.
• News and Updates: Highlight awards, press mentions, or new services being offered at your surgery center.

Why WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance is Essential for Surgery Centers

Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance ensures your website is accessible to individuals with disabilities, which is essential for any surgery center. Not only does it enhance the patient experience, but it also helps you avoid potential legal issues, especially under regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

1. Inclusivity

A WCAG-compliant website ensures that individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments can access your content, schedule appointments, and find the information they need about their procedures. This is especially critical in healthcare, where accessibility to information can directly impact patient care.

2. Legal Compliance

Websites that fail to meet accessibility standards may be subject to lawsuits under the ADA. Courts often refer to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards when determining if a website is accessible to people with disabilities.

3. SEO Benefits

Many aspects of WCAG compliance, such as well-structured HTML, alternative text for images, and user-friendly navigation, align with SEO best practices. This can help boost your search engine rankings and attract more patients organically.

How a Credible Website Provider Can Help Your Surgery Center?

A credible website provider for a surgery center will have extensive experience helping healthcare providers create accessible, compliant, and user-friendly websites that meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and their patients' needs. Providing:

• Full Website Audits: Audits that evaluate your current website for accessibility and SEO performance, identifying areas for improvement.
• Custom Web Development: A team who designs or updates your website to meet WCAG standards while also improving usability and engagement.
• Ongoing Support: Accessibility is an ongoing process. You need ongoing support and updates, and periodic evaluations to ensure that your site remains accessible as it evolves.

Conclusion

A well-optimized, fully accessible website is essential for any surgery center looking to provide excellent patient care and avoid legal risks. One provider to consider is Find Local Company, as they specialize in creating websites that not only meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance but also enhance the patient experience and improve search engine rankings. Whether you're building a new site or upgrading your current one, make sure you choose an experienced provider that will ensure your surgery center stands out.
Visit Find Local Company today to learn how they can help your surgery center create a compliant, accessible, and effective online presence.