Why Should Surgical Practices Optimize for Answer Engines?
AI-based searches are more popular than you might think:
- Current data suggests that AI receives 5.4 billion monthly visits in the U.S.
- Search-related usage of AI is now 17% the size of search queries in the United States. While this doesn’t seem like a very high number, we are seeing growth year-over-year.
- AI usage is growing in the U.S. year-over-year (usage in December 2025 was 300% higher than December 2024).
The AI space is only continuing to evolve. As with search engine optimization, the surgeons that pay attention to AI, optimize early on, and continue to evolve their strategy are more likely to see long-term results.
With competition continuing to grow online for surgical practices, this is your chance to get ahead of the curve and open up a new channel for attracting patients.
How We Optimize for AI Results
The more AI is incorporated into search engines and the devices we use every day, the more critical it is to pay attention to it. Like search engine optimization, there are things we can do to increase chances of showing up in AI-generated results.
It’s important to note that AI is constantly evolving (even more quickly than “traditional” search engines) and as such, so are best practices for optimizing for it.
The items included below reflect current best practices, but are subject to change. Our AI optimization strategy may include:
- Creating FAQ content for Specialty pages* and other key informative pages
- Updating existing headings on Specialty pages to be more “conversational” as needed (AI prefers content that reads more conversationally)
- Adding schema (special code that helps AI bots understand key content) to your website
We also stay up-to-date on the latest tactics in answer engine optimization so that we can update strategy as needed.
*Please note that AI Optimization can only be done after Specialties content, or it can be done in tandem. This service includes updating existing content, not writing full articles.
AI Optimization Package Details
AI Optimization is a monthly package with a 12-month minimum commitment. Monthly strategies will vary depending on your individual needs, but the package typically includes the following:
- Updating existing content on your website to optimize for AI
- Creating FAQ content to give AI engines direct answers to common questions
- Adding code that helps AI engines better understand your content
- Monthly reporting
Ready to Help Patients Find You Through Answer Engines?
Schedule Your Free Strategy Session
In 30 minutes, we’ll review:
- Your current marketing performance
- Competitive analysis of other surgeons in your market
- Specific improvements that would drive more consultations
- Timeline and investment for our suggestions
No pressure, no obligation. Just honest assessment and strategic advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AI Optimization a monthly service? AI is a constantly evolving field, so what is considered “best practice” may not be months down the road. Also, because it is so new, we will likely have to try several strategies over several months to achieve the best results.
Is there ever a point where I am “good” with AI optimization? Like with search engine optimization, you may eventually reach a point where you are happy with the results and can stop regular optimization. However, we recommend continuing to check in on a regular basis, because updates to these answer engines could cause you to lose the results you have gained over time.
Can you guarantee results? We believe in honesty and transparency with our clients, so it’s important to note that we cannot ever guarantee any specific results with any type of search or answer engine. With that said, we are always employing best practices that have had proven results.
