A unique SEO-based patient acquisition solution combines consumer demand generation and fulfillment through health content, provider search, and scheduling.

WebMD and symplr announced that they have partnered to combine WebMD’s industry-leading online health information with symplr’s best-in-class provider search and scheduling. The new offering utilizes search engine optimization and trusted content to drive consumers to a health system’s digital front door for real-time provider search and appointment scheduling.

Marketing Technology News: Mojo Media Labs Makes the Inc 5000 List for the Third Year in a Row

“This partnership represents a breakthrough patient acquisition strategy. The integration of WebMD’s leading content, which generates new patient demand, with symplr Directory’s provider search and scheduling, addresses patient fulfillment needs in a new, compelling offering,” says BJ Schaknowski, CEO of symplr. “Provider organizations will realize increased patient flow and higher utilization using this new, end-to-end digital workflow.”

More than 75 million consumers access WebMD each month for accurate, easy to understand health information and the tools and solutions they need to take action for their health, including finding health care professionals (HCPs) to meet their needs.

Marketing Technology News: Customer Engagement in Africa Comes Under the Spotlight

symplr Directory (formerly Phynd) is a provider data management search platform used by some of the largest health systems in the country. Extending symplr’s vast provider resources and services and curated provider data to WebMD, including subspecialty, clinical and patient-friendly search terms, health plan participation, and direct scheduling in the Electronic Health Record, makes it easier for consumers to find HCPs and book an appointment with an available, in-network provider.

With the new offering, WebMD’s online, content-driven campaigns will drive consumers to participating providers and symplr’s Find a Doctor search and scheduling. Consumers will be able to search and schedule appointments with a provider in a single workflow instead of having to check providers’ availability and health plan participation by phone.

“Surveys show that over three-quarters of consumers use the internet for healthcare related-search, and a majority choose a provider based on a strong online presence,” said Ann Bilyew, WebMD’s Senior Vice President, Health and Group General Manager, Provider Services. “WebMD serves as a trusted, online source for consumers’ seeking accurate health information and locally convenient providers that can meet their health needs. We see the WebMD-symplr partnership as a game-changer, extending advanced provider search and scheduling into consumers’ WebMD experience.”

Marketing Technology News: MarTech Interview with Carrie Palin, SVP & CMO at Cisco