Complete List of Google Business Profile Categories for Healthcare

Choosing the right business category is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when setting up your Google Business Profile. For healthcare practices, this choice directly impacts which local searches you’ll appear in.

As a rule of thumb, your primary category should be as specific as possible. Then, add up to 2-3 additional categories (never more than 5) to avoid diluting your business focus in Google’s eyes.

Here’s our comprehensive, up-to-date list of healthcare-related Google Business Profile categories as of March 2025:

Remember, Google occasionally updates these categories, so if you’re setting up your profile and don’t see the exact category you need, check for the closest match or contact us for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right primary category for my healthcare practice?

Choose the most specific category that accurately describes your healthcare practice’s primary service or specialty. For example, if you’re a dentist who specializes in cosmetic procedures, select “Cosmetic dentist” rather than just “Dentist.” Your primary category has the most impact on your local search visibility, so it’s crucial to be as specific as possible while remaining accurate to your core services.

How many categories should I select for my Google Business Profile?

Select one primary category that best represents your main healthcare service, plus 2-3 additional categories (no more than 5 total) that accurately reflect your other services. Don’t try to add every possible category – this can dilute your business focus in Google’s eyes and potentially harm your local search visibility. Choose categories that directly relate to services you actually provide.

Can I change my GBP categories after setting up my profile?

Yes, you can change your Google Business Profile categories at any time. In fact, it’s recommended to review your categories periodically, especially if you add new services or specialties to your practice. To update your categories, log into your Google Business Profile dashboard, click “Info,” then edit the “Category” section. Remember that changing your primary category might temporarily affect your rankings while Google recalibrates your profile.

Why doesn’t Google have a specific category for my healthcare specialty?

Google maintains a comprehensive but still limited list of business categories. If you don’t see an exact match for your healthcare specialty, select the closest available option. For example, if you practice a very specific type of therapy that doesn’t have its own category, you might select “Specialized clinic” or a broader therapy category. Remember to use your business description, services list, and website content to specify your exact specialty.

How do categories affect my local search visibility?

Categories are one of the most important ranking factors for Google Business Profiles. They help Google understand what your healthcare practice does and for which searches to display your profile. Your primary category has the strongest influence on your visibility in local search results and map pack rankings. Well-chosen categories improve your chances of appearing for relevant searches in your area, while poorly chosen categories can prevent you from showing up for valuable search queries.