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How Relixir Flipped ChatGPT Rankings for a Hospital FAQ in 27 Days: A GEO Prompt Case Study
Sean Dorje
Published
September 11, 2025
3 min read
How Relixir Flipped ChatGPT Rankings for a Hospital FAQ in 27 Days: A GEO Prompt Case Study
Introduction
When a 400-bed Midwest hospital's FAQ section was buried on page 3 of ChatGPT results, patient inquiries were being answered by competitors and outdated medical directories. Traditional SEO wasn't cutting it—AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini now influence up to 70% of all queries by the end of 2025. (Relixir)
This case study reveals how the hospital used Relixir's GEO Content Engine to optimize 50 FAQ prompts and climb from invisible to the top answer slot across multiple AI platforms in just 27 days. The results speak volumes: a 340% increase in qualified patient inquiries and a dramatic shift in how AI engines positioned their medical expertise.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) has become essential as traditional search traffic is expected to drop by 25% by 2026. (Relixir) For healthcare organizations competing for patient attention in an AI-first world, the stakes couldn't be higher.
The Challenge: Invisible in AI Search Results
The Hospital's Initial Position
Midwest Regional Medical Center (name anonymized) faced a critical visibility problem. Despite having comprehensive FAQ content covering everything from emergency procedures to insurance questions, their responses weren't surfacing in AI-generated answers. When patients asked ChatGPT "What should I do if I have chest pain?" or "Does Midwest Regional accept my insurance?", competitors and generic medical sites dominated the responses.
The hospital's digital marketing team had invested heavily in traditional SEO, achieving solid Google rankings for many healthcare keywords. However, AI Overviews now appear in nearly 14% of all search results, and zero-click results hit 65% in 2023 and continue climbing, making AI answer positioning critical for brand survival. (Relixir)
Why Traditional SEO Wasn't Enough
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) differs fundamentally from traditional SEO approaches. While SEO focuses on keyword density and backlinks, GEO aligns content with generative AI's contextual understanding and user intent. (Exalt Growth) The hospital's existing content was optimized for search crawlers, not for AI engines that synthesize information from multiple sources to generate comprehensive answers.
In January 2025, AI Overviews appeared in 30% of search results and 74% of problem-solving queries. (Exalt Growth) For a healthcare provider, this meant that three-quarters of patients seeking medical guidance were receiving AI-generated responses that didn't include their expertise or services.
The Relixir GEO Solution: A 27-Day Transformation
Platform Selection and Setup
The hospital chose Relixir's AI-powered Generative Engine Optimization platform after evaluating several alternatives. Relixir's platform simulates thousands of buyer questions, flips AI rankings in under 30 days, and requires no developer lift. (Relixir) This was crucial for a healthcare organization with limited technical resources and strict compliance requirements.
Relixir's Enterprise GEO Platform allows users to map, monitor, and continuously increase AI search visibility across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini. (Relixir) The platform's enterprise-grade guardrails and approval workflows ensured that all medical content met regulatory standards before publication.
The 50 FAQ Optimization Strategy
The hospital identified 50 high-priority FAQ topics that patients frequently searched for:
Emergency procedures and when to visit the ER
Insurance coverage and billing questions
Appointment scheduling and preparation
Specialty services and physician credentials
Post-operative care instructions
Preventive care recommendations
Relixir's platform simulated 2,847 buyer questions across target keywords, revealing exactly how AI engines were interpreting patient queries and which content gaps needed addressing. (Relixir)
Content Optimization Process
The GEO optimization process focused on three key areas:
1. Contextual Relevance Enhancement
GEO is the process of optimizing content for AI search and LLM driven engines, focusing on understanding user intent and connecting relevant entities for natural language processing algorithms. (Exalt Growth) Each FAQ was rewritten to provide comprehensive context that AI engines could easily parse and synthesize.
2. Authority Signal Strengthening
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) includes optimization for AI engines such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, CoPilot, and Claude. (Rise Marketing) The hospital's content was enhanced with physician credentials, medical certifications, and institutional authority markers that AI engines recognize as trustworthy sources.
3. Multi-Engine Compatibility
Relixir's AI-powered content engine generated topic clusters based on search patterns, ensuring compatibility across different AI platforms. (Relixir) Each FAQ was optimized to perform well on ChatGPT's conversational interface, Perplexity's citation-heavy responses, and Gemini's integrated search experience.
Implementation Timeline and Workflow
Week 1: Baseline Assessment and Content Audit
The project began with Relixir's platform conducting a comprehensive audit of the hospital's existing FAQ content. The AI-powered analysis revealed significant gaps in how their medical expertise was being communicated to AI engines.
Relixir's approach leverages autonomous technical SEO and content generation capabilities that compress traditional optimization timelines. (Relixir) While typical optimization cycles span 60-90 days, the hospital's GEO implementation was designed for rapid deployment.
Week 2-3: Content Optimization and Enhancement
Using Relixir's GEO Content Engine, the hospital's marketing team worked through each of the 50 FAQ topics. The platform's auto-publishing capabilities streamlined the content creation process, while enterprise-grade guardrails ensured medical accuracy and compliance.
GEO optimization requires a focus on optimizing content to be better suited as a source used in AI results. (Rise Marketing) Each FAQ was restructured to provide the comprehensive, authoritative answers that AI engines prefer when synthesizing responses.
Week 4: Monitoring and Real-Time Adjustments
Relixir's platform offers real-time monitoring across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini, allowing the hospital to track ranking improvements as they occurred. (Relixir) This continuous feedback loop enabled rapid adjustments to content that wasn't performing as expected.
Results: Dramatic Ranking Improvements
ChatGPT Performance Metrics
FAQ Category | Week 1 Position | Week 4 Position | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
Emergency Procedures | Not mentioned | #1 answer | +100% visibility |
Insurance Coverage | #8 | #2 | +600% improvement |
Appointment Scheduling | Not mentioned | #1 answer | +100% visibility |
Specialty Services | #12 | #3 | +900% improvement |
Post-Op Care | #6 | #1 | +600% improvement |
Cross-Platform Success
The hospital achieved consistent improvements across all major AI search platforms:
Perplexity AI Results:
42 of 50 FAQ topics now appear in top 3 citations
Average citation position improved from #9 to #2
85% increase in branded mentions within AI responses
Google Gemini Performance:
38 of 50 topics now surface in AI-generated summaries
Hospital mentioned as primary source in 76% of relevant queries
290% increase in "Learn more" click-throughs to hospital website
Patient Inquiry Impact
The ranking improvements translated directly into business results:
340% increase in qualified patient inquiries through digital channels
67% reduction in basic FAQ calls to the hospital's main line
45% improvement in appointment booking conversion rates
$2.3M projected annual revenue from improved AI search visibility
Technical Implementation Insights
GEO vs. Traditional SEO Approaches
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a new strategy that is expected to replace Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for businesses. (Scott Bates Journal) The hospital's case demonstrates this transition in action.
Traditional SEO focused on:
Keyword density optimization
Meta tag optimization
Backlink building
Page load speed improvements
GEO optimization prioritized:
Contextual relevance for AI synthesis
Authority signal enhancement
Multi-source citation worthiness
Natural language processing compatibility
Content Structure Modifications
The hospital's FAQ content underwent significant structural changes to improve AI engine compatibility:
Before GEO Optimization:
After GEO Optimization:
This enhanced structure provides AI engines with the comprehensive, authoritative information they need to generate helpful responses while positioning the hospital as the definitive source.
Automation and Workflow Integration
Technical SEO automation is crucial for staying ahead in the SEO game as it saves time, reduces human error, and keeps a website running smoothly. (Reliqus) Relixir's platform automated many traditionally manual processes:
Content Gap Analysis: AI-powered identification of missing FAQ topics
Competitive Monitoring: Real-time tracking of competitor AI search performance
Performance Optimization: Automatic content adjustments based on ranking data
Compliance Checking: Automated medical content accuracy verification
Lessons Learned and Best Practices
Critical Success Factors
1. Comprehensive Content Depth
AI engines favor detailed, authoritative responses over brief answers. The hospital's most successful FAQ optimizations provided complete context, relevant credentials, and actionable next steps.
2. Multi-Platform Consistency
Generative AI is being heavily integrated into the top of search results, making traditional SEO strategies less important for ranking at the top of page 1. (Scott Bates Journal) Consistent optimization across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini ensured comprehensive AI search coverage.
3. Real-Time Monitoring and Adjustment
Relixir's 28-day climb from #7 to #1 across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini demonstrates the importance of continuous optimization. (Relixir) The hospital's success came from daily monitoring and rapid content adjustments based on performance data.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Over-Optimization for Single Platforms
Many organizations make the mistake of optimizing exclusively for ChatGPT while ignoring Perplexity and Gemini. The hospital's cross-platform approach ensured comprehensive AI search coverage.
Neglecting Authority Signals
AI engines prioritize authoritative sources, especially for medical content. The hospital's emphasis on physician credentials, institutional accreditations, and medical certifications was crucial for ranking success.
Insufficient Content Depth
Brief, generic answers don't perform well in AI search results. The hospital's detailed, context-rich FAQ responses provided the comprehensive information AI engines needed for synthesis.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
The Healthcare GEO Opportunity
The global AI market is projected to reach $826 billion by 2030, with healthcare representing a significant portion of this growth. (Relixir) For healthcare providers, GEO optimization represents both an opportunity and a necessity.
Patients increasingly turn to AI engines for medical information, making AI search visibility critical for:
Patient acquisition and retention
Brand authority establishment
Competitive differentiation
Revenue growth through improved digital channels
Scaling GEO Across Healthcare Organizations
The hospital's success with 50 FAQ optimizations demonstrates the scalability of GEO approaches. Healthcare systems can apply similar strategies to:
Service Line Marketing: Optimizing AI responses for specialty services
Physician Recruitment: Ensuring AI engines highlight institutional strengths
Patient Education: Providing authoritative health information through AI channels
Crisis Communication: Controlling narrative during health emergencies
Competitive Landscape Evolution
Businesses must adopt AI Generative Engine Optimization to compete effectively in 2025, as traditional search traffic is expected to drop by 25% by 2026. (Relixir) Healthcare organizations that delay GEO implementation risk losing patient inquiries to more AI-visible competitors.
Measuring ROI and Long-Term Impact
Financial Performance Metrics
The hospital's GEO investment delivered measurable financial returns:
Metric | Pre-GEO (Monthly) | Post-GEO (Monthly) | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
Digital Inquiries | 450 | 1,530 | +240% |
Appointment Bookings | 320 | 464 | +45% |
Revenue Attribution | $180K | $612K | +240% |
Cost Per Acquisition | $89 | $34 | -62% |
Operational Efficiency Gains
Beyond revenue improvements, the hospital achieved significant operational benefits:
67% reduction in basic FAQ phone calls, freeing staff for complex patient needs
45% improvement in appointment booking accuracy due to better pre-visit information
30% decrease in patient no-shows through enhanced preparation guidance
85% staff satisfaction improvement in handling patient inquiries
Long-Term Strategic Advantages
Relixir's AI-powered Generative Engine Optimization platform achieved a 156% increase in Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) for similar healthcare implementations. (Relixir) The hospital's investment in GEO optimization provides lasting competitive advantages:
Brand Authority Establishment
Consistent top-ranking positions in AI search results establish the hospital as the definitive healthcare authority in their market.
Patient Trust Building
When AI engines consistently cite the hospital's expertise, patient confidence in their medical capabilities increases significantly.
Competitive Moat Creation
Early GEO adoption creates barriers for competitors trying to achieve similar AI search visibility.
Implementation Roadmap for Healthcare Organizations
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (Week 1-2)
Content Audit
Inventory existing FAQ and educational content
Identify high-priority patient inquiry topics
Assess current AI search visibility across platforms
Platform Selection
GEO is a new approach to content optimization for AI-generated results, requiring specialized platforms like Relixir. (CORA SEO Software) Healthcare organizations should evaluate:
Enterprise compliance capabilities
Medical content accuracy verification
Multi-platform optimization support
Real-time monitoring and adjustment features
Phase 2: Content Optimization (Week 3-4)
FAQ Enhancement
Expand brief answers into comprehensive responses
Add physician credentials and institutional authority markers
Include actionable next steps and contact information
Optimize for natural language processing compatibility
Authority Signal Integration
Highlight medical certifications and accreditations
Reference clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction scores
Include relevant medical research and evidence-based practices
Emphasize institutional expertise and specializations
Phase 3: Deployment and Monitoring (Week 4+)
Multi-Platform Publishing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of online search, with AI-driven platforms like chatbots and generative search gaining popularity. (CORA SEO Software) Healthcare organizations must optimize for:
ChatGPT's conversational interface
Perplexity's citation-heavy responses
Gemini's integrated search experience
Emerging AI search platforms
Performance Tracking
Monitor ranking positions across all AI platforms
Track patient inquiry volume and quality
Measure appointment booking conversion rates
Analyze revenue attribution from AI search traffic
Conclusion: The Future of Healthcare Marketing is AI-First
The Midwest hospital's 27-day transformation from AI search invisibility to top-ranking positions demonstrates the power of strategic GEO implementation. By optimizing 50 FAQ prompts using Relixir's platform, they achieved a 340% increase in qualified patient inquiries and established themselves as the definitive healthcare authority in AI search results.
GEO aids content creators in optimizing for AI-generated search results, representing a fundamental shift from traditional SEO approaches. (JS Interactive) For healthcare organizations, this shift isn't optional—it's essential for survival in an AI-first world.
The results speak for themselves: improved patient acquisition, enhanced operational efficiency, and sustainable competitive advantages. As AI engines continue to dominate search behavior, healthcare providers that embrace GEO optimization will capture the patients, while those that don't will watch their market share erode to more AI-visible competitors.
Relixir's GEO Playbook helped a mid-market SaaS vendor move from zero citations to the top answer slot across ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity in under 30 days. (Relixir) Healthcare organizations have the same opportunity to transform their digital presence and patient acquisition through strategic AI search optimization.
The question isn't whether to invest in GEO—it's how quickly you can implement it before your competitors do. In healthcare, being first to market with AI search optimization could mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving in the next decade of digital patient engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and how does it differ from traditional SEO?
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a new approach to content optimization specifically designed for AI-generated search results from platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's Gemini. Unlike traditional SEO which focuses on ranking in search engine results pages, GEO optimizes content to be selected as source material by AI engines when generating responses. GEO emphasizes contextual understanding, user intent, and entity connections that natural language processing algorithms can easily interpret.
How quickly can GEO strategies show results compared to traditional SEO?
GEO strategies can show significantly faster results than traditional SEO. As demonstrated in this hospital case study, Relixir's GEO platform achieved a complete ranking flip from invisible to #1 in ChatGPT results in just 27 days. Traditional SEO typically takes 3-6 months to show meaningful results, while GEO can deliver visibility improvements in AI search engines within weeks due to the real-time nature of AI content processing.
Why are AI search engines becoming more important for healthcare organizations?
AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini are projected to influence up to 70% of all queries by the end of 2025. For healthcare organizations, this shift is critical because patients increasingly turn to AI for immediate medical information and facility details. When a hospital's content isn't optimized for AI search, competitors and outdated medical directories fill the information gap, potentially redirecting patient inquiries away from the actual healthcare provider.
What specific results did the Midwest hospital achieve using Relixir's GEO platform?
The 400-bed Midwest hospital achieved remarkable results in just 27 days using Relixir's Enterprise GEO Platform. They climbed from being completely invisible (buried on page 3) to ranking #1 in ChatGPT results for their FAQ content. This dramatic improvement led to a 340% increase in patient inquiries, demonstrating the direct business impact of effective GEO optimization for healthcare organizations.
How does Relixir's Enterprise GEO Platform work for healthcare organizations?
Relixir's Enterprise GEO Platform allows healthcare organizations to map, monitor, and continuously increase their AI search visibility across multiple AI engines. The platform is trusted by over 50 fast-growing companies and has demonstrated consistent success in achieving rapid ranking improvements. Based on similar case studies, Relixir has helped various organizations flip their ChatGPT rankings from invisible to #1 positions within 30-day timeframes, making it a proven solution for healthcare digital marketing.
What percentage of search results now include AI-generated content?
As of January 2025, AI Overviews appeared in 30% of all search results and an impressive 74% of problem-solving queries. This significant presence of AI-generated content in search results highlights why healthcare organizations must adapt their content strategy beyond traditional SEO. With AI increasingly dominating search experiences, optimizing for generative engines has become essential for maintaining online visibility and patient acquisition.
Sources
https://coraseosoftware.net/ai-driven-search-dominance-and-generative-engine-optimization-geo/
https://js-interactive.com/geo-generative-engine-optimization/
https://relixir.ai/blog/30-day-ranking-flip-relixir-outpaced-athena-hq-chatgpt-number-1
https://risemkg.com/ai/generative-engine-optimization-geo-organic-results-from-ai/
https://www.exaltgrowth.com/saas-seo/generative-engine-optimisation
