Consumer Channel

Win patients while they're still deciding.

Offer mobile-friendly access that turns online research into real referrals—no logins, no delays, no confusion.

Channel Opportunity

Consumers now shape their own referral path.

They're finding their own way to specialists
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Up to 24% of specialist visits now start as self-directed referrals.1
Online searches and reviews inform decsions
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73% of patients read online reviews before choosing a provider.²
Consumer-facing digital health is big business
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$17.2B in 2024 digital health funding is fueling consumer-first specialty apps.³

Bottom line: Today’s patients aren’t waiting for paperwork. They’re browsing, searching, comparing and making decisions before making phone calls.

Winning consumer referrals

Treat care seeking like online shopping.

When the experience feels effortless, consumers stay and convert.

Convenience rules

35% of adults skip care when access is frustrating.⁴ One-tap chat access keeps them moving forward.4

Build trust first

The $20B second-opinion market shows people will pay for clarity.⁵ Reassurance beats sales pitch.

Show your prices

96% of Americans expect upfront pricing and will shop around if it’s not there.⁶

Traditional Shortcomings & Growth Blockers

Why specialty groups miss out on self-directed referrals.

• Login walls, PDFs, or generic contact forms make mobile users bounce.

• Referrals from consumer sources aren’t tagged in the EMR so finance can’t trace what worked.

• One general phone number queues everyone, even high-intent patients.

How Hatch Helps

One platform to provide consumer-grade access for patients.

Mobile-first hatchways

Branded links that open instantly—no app or login required.

Secure chat & video

HIPAA-compliant messaging turns “I’m curious” into “I’m in.”

Source attribution

Every engagement is tagged so finance can tie referrals to spend.