Frequently Asked Questions

HIPAA compliant SEO refers to search engine optimization strategies and tools that meet HIPAA regulatory requirements. This includes using analytics that don't track Protected Health Information (PHI), secure website infrastructure, and marketing practices that protect patient privacy while still improving search visibility.

Standard SEO tools like Google Analytics can create compliance risks by tracking IP addresses and user behavior that, combined with healthcare page visits, could potentially identify patients seeking specific treatments.

Standard Google Analytics can create HIPAA compliance risks because it collects IP addresses and user behavior data that, combined with healthcare page visits, could potentially identify patients.

HIPAA compliant alternatives include server-side analytics, privacy-focused platforms, or properly configured GA4 with IP anonymization and strict data retention limits. We recommend dedicated HIPAA-compliant analytics solutions for healthcare websites to eliminate risk entirely.

HIPAA compliant content never includes identifiable patient information without proper authorization. This means:

• Avoiding specific patient stories without written consent
• Using only properly consented testimonials with HIPAA authorization forms
• Including appropriate medical disclaimers
• Ensuring content doesn't make unsubstantiated medical claims
• Having medical professionals review clinical accuracy

All our content goes through compliance review before publication.

Yes, SEO is essential for medical practices. Over 70% of patients use search engines to find healthcare providers and research health conditions. Without SEO, your practice is invisible to potential patients actively searching for the services you offer.

Local SEO is particularly important since most healthcare is location-based—patients search for "dentist near me" or "orthopedic surgeon in [city]."

A HIPAA compliant website includes:

• SSL/HTTPS encryption for all pages
• Secure form handling with encryption
• HIPAA-compliant hosting (with BAA)
• Proper access controls
• Audit logging capabilities
• Secure third-party integrations (with BAAs)
• Compliant privacy policies
• No tracking that could expose PHI

The website alone isn't enough—you also need proper policies, procedures, and staff training.

Yes, but with specific requirements:

• Patients must provide written HIPAA authorization specifically for marketing use
• The authorization must clearly explain how the testimonial will be used
• Never reveal specific diagnoses or treatment details beyond what the patient explicitly approved
• Keep authorizations on file and document the consent process

We provide compliant testimonial authorization forms and processes for our clients.

We don't. Our approach is to never use PHI in marketing activities. We:

• Use aggregated, de-identified data for analytics
• Never access patient records
• Structure all marketing to avoid any PHI exposure
• Use compliant analytics tools
• Implement secure forms with proper encryption
• Follow proper consent processes for any patient-related content

No CMS is inherently HIPAA compliant—compliance depends on configuration and hosting. WordPress, Drupal, and other CMS platforms can be made compliant with:

• HIPAA-compliant hosting (with signed BAA)
• Proper security configuration
• Careful plugin/extension selection
• Regular security updates
• Appropriate access controls

We typically recommend HIPAA-compliant managed WordPress hosting or custom solutions for healthcare organizations.

Email marketing can be HIPAA compliant if done correctly. Requirements include:

• A HIPAA-compliant email platform (with signed BAA)
• Proper consent from recipients
• No PHI in email content (unless encrypted and consented)
• Encryption for any sensitive information
• Proper opt-out mechanisms

Note: Many popular email platforms like standard Mailchimp accounts are NOT HIPAA compliant. You need enterprise healthcare plans or specialized platforms.

Healthcare SEO typically takes 4-6 months to show measurable results, with significant improvements in 9-12 months. Factors affecting timeline include:

• Your current website authority and history
• Competition level in your market
• Content quality and quantity
• Technical health of your website
• Local vs. national targeting

Local SEO often shows faster results than broader organic campaigns. We provide monthly reporting so you can track progress throughout the engagement.