A modern practice website should do more than list services and contact details. It should give everyone access to important information, regardless of any impairments. Accessibility isn’t just a sign of inclusion; it is also a clear competitive advantage.
Since June 28, 2025, the requirements of the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) have applied. The act is Germany’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act. It covers certain products and online services for consumers, but not every practice website across the board. Regardless of that, patients expect a website that is accessible and easy to use.
In this article, you will learn when the BFSG matters for practice websites, what benefits accessibility brings and how to put it into practice.
What does web accessibility mean?
Web accessibility means that content, features and navigation are designed so that everyone can use the website without difficulty, regardless of physical or technical limitations.
Typical measures
- sufficient color contrast
- clear font sizes and readable typography
- alternative texts for images
- a logical heading structure
- navigation without a mouse, for example by keyboard
- captions and transcripts for videos
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) and practice websites
The BFSG applies to certain products and services aimed at consumers. For websites, e-commerce is what matters most: offerings where a contract with consumers is concluded via a website or app, for example in an online shop.
What this means for practices
- A website that provides information about the practice, its services and its office hours is usually not covered by the BFSG.
- If a contract with patients is concluded via the website, for example when buying a gift voucher or a treatment online, the BFSG may apply. Whether this also covers your online appointment booking depends on how it is set up; if in doubt, your legal adviser can clarify this.
- Exempt are microenterprises that provide services: practices with fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2 million in annual revenue or balance sheet total.
Even if your practice isn’t covered by the act, an accessible design is recommended, both for the sake of your patients and because expectations of digital services keep rising.
Benefits of an accessible practice website
Patient-friendly and inclusive
Many patients have special needs, for example older people and people with visual or hearing impairments, motor impairments or learning difficulties. An accessible website ensures that all information is available without barriers and that important content is presented clearly and understandably.
Competitive advantage
Practices that actively implement accessibility can highlight it in how they present themselves and stand out positively from competitors. This not only signals commitment and patient focus but also strengthens the practice’s image as a modern, forward-looking healthcare provider.
SEO benefits
Many elements of accessibility, including a clean HTML structure, well-written alternative texts for images, clear headings and mobile optimization, are also relevant SEO factors. They not only improve your ranking in search engines but also increase the reach and visibility of your practice website.
How to implement accessibility
An accessible practice website can be built as part of a new design, a relaunch or an optimization of the existing site.
Key steps
- Analysis: review the existing website against the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
- Design adjustments: optimize contrast, font sizes, colors and navigation.
- Technical implementation: clean HTML structure, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation.
- Content adjustments: plain language, clear structure, alternative texts.
- Testing: checks with assistive technologies and on different devices.
Conclusion
Accessibility isn’t an optional extra; it is an important quality feature of modern practice websites. It not only makes your website more patient-friendly but also improves your visibility on Google and the image of your practice.
The Accessibility Strengthening Act shows that accessible digital services are becoming the standard. Practices that act now are well prepared, whether the act applies to them or not.