Many companies have recently sprung up to create Web sites for physicians. Robert Cykiert, M.D., F.A.C.S., founder and administrator of the DoctorNet Service on the Internet, recommends following these guidelines when you�re looking for someone to build or update your site.

• Remember, buyer beware. Some Web builders overcharge physicians for creating, maintaining and upgrading their Web sites. These companies are no dummies, recognizing that we generally are when it comes to computers and the Internet. They also know physicians have little time available to evaluate and compare different companies and options. That�s why it�s important to make time to shop for competitive prices. It�ll be worth the extra effort in the long run.
• Check for healthcare savvy Some companies have experience in creating Web sites for non-physician customers, but have little expertise in the healthcare field. They don�t have a good feeling for what a physician�s Web site should look like from a professional, medical-legal and ethical perspective.
• Before you choose a company, get references from other physicians who�ve used that company.
• Participate in your site. Once you pick the company, play a hands-on role in the project. Participate in the site development by writing and editing the text and reviewing the layout and graphics. You should always have final approval of the text and graphic content of what finally appears online, just as you would oversee and approve any changes in your office�s appearance.
• Keep updating your site. Like changing the carpeting or repainting your walls, you should review your Web site every few months to make sure the information is fresh and up to date in our rapidly changing specialty and world.
• Just as companies change their print and TV commercials, occasionally changing the graphics and layout adds a new appearance to your Web site and keeps repeat visitors stimulated. The DoctorNet Service also creates advanced graphic multimedia Web sites for physicians at very reasonable costs. You can find more information about this at http://www.doctornet.com