WCAG AA compliance is a baseline, but health sites should aim higher given their diverse audience. High contrast ratios, large touch targets, screen-reader-friendly forms, and plain-language content ensure that people with disabilities or low health literacy can navigate the site confidently.
Displaying practitioner credentials, clinical certifications, peer-reviewed references, and genuine patient testimonials builds trust. Clean, well-structured layouts with professional photography signal competence, while cluttered or outdated designs can actively undermine perceived reliability.