How can healthcare practices show up in AI-generated search results?
Search is changing from Google to AI. AI-generated search uses large language models to answer patient questions directly, rather than listing websites like traditional Google search. A typical “Dentist Near Me” request is changing to more complex prompts like “Find 3 dentists with more than 4.3 star review that take Aetna and do same day crowns”.
Today, AI driven search accounts for approximately 5–10% of all searches, a share that continues to grow as patients turn to AI for answers and recommendations (1).
To appear in AI search, practices need a response strategy, just like you have an SEO strategy to appear in Google search. This strategy is called GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) – it is a set of actions that practices take to make their information understandable and trustworthy for AI systems that generate answers. Generative Engine Optimization focuses on making practice information explicit, structured, and trustworthy so AI systems can confidently include it in answers.
What operational changes improve AI visibility?
Your practice is the primary source of information in AI search while business listings and directories are validations. It is essential that your website information it current. If you offer CEREC same day crowns but you have not overtly stated that on your website, you may not appear in the AI search example above. If you take Aetna insurance and it is not specified on your website, AI will not find your practice for patients that are asking specifically for Aetna.
Healthcare practices should perform an AI Search audit that would ensure that your information is clear, spelled out and consistent everywhere online.
- Contact information, address and hours are stated clearly and consistently
- All information is current
- Plain-language explanations of services
- Provider types are clearly stated
- Accepted insurances spelled out, not only shown as logos
- Short, patient-focused explanations AI can summarize
- Content is structured for AI readability
- Online reviews reflect recent patient activity
What common mistakes limit AI search performance for healthcare practices?
Here are some examples of the most common issues.
- Vague descriptions of services, doctors, or other practice members
- Conflicting or outdated information between website and directories
- Time-ambiguous language
- Generic marketing copy that does not specify what your practice uniquely delivers
- Images that AI can’t interpret
- Large volumes of promotional content
- Outdated or infrequent patient-facing updates
- Inconsistent information across the sources
To summarize,
AI-driven search rewards clarity, not complexity. Healthcare practices that clearly state what they do, who they serve, and how patients engage are more likely to appear when AI systems generate answers. AutoRemind builds websites that are enabled for both GEO and SEO. We also perform AI search audits and GEO recommendations for practices that need help.
AutoRemind is a leading Patient Engagement and Practice Automation Platform for medical and veterinary practices.
(1) https://www.infront.com/blog/defining-ai-search-and-search-engine-market-share-in-2025