Google Ad Placement & AI Overviews: What Healthcare Practices Need to Know
Google’s rollout of AI Overviews is one of the most significant changes to search results in years. For medical and dental practices that have long depended on Google Ads for top-of-page visibility, the introduction of AI content into that space has altered the playing field. Ads still matter, but they no longer dominate in the same way.
Where Ads Now Appear in Relation to AI Overviews
Google has confirmed that ads can now appear above, below, or even within AI Overviews. This variability makes search results less predictable. Sometimes ads hold their traditional spot at the very top (as shown in the example below), sometimes they follow the AI summary, and in certain cases they’re embedded inside the AI Overview itself. All placements are clearly marked as “Sponsored,” but the shifting order means ads no longer command automatic attention.
For practices, this creates new dynamics. A patient researching tummy tuck surgery, for example, may first see an AI Overview explaining the procedure, recovery time, and average cost, with citations from authoritative sources. Ads could show immediately above that summary, or they may be tucked beneath it, requiring a scroll. In either case, the patient’s eyes are drawn to the AI content first.
The Impact of AI Overviews on Paid Search Campaigns
The implications are two-fold. First, visibility through paid search has become less guaranteed. Ads pushed below an AI Overview simply aren’t as prominent as before. Second, the behavior of patients is shifting. Many will engage with the AI summary before deciding whether to click an ad. This can reduce overall click volume, but the leads that do come through may be more deliberate and higher quality.
For a deeper dive into how AI Overviews are influencing search rankings and visibility, see our blog on The Impact of AI Overviews on Search Performance.
At the same time, the rise of AI Overviews reinforces the importance of organic strategy. Because Google generates its summaries by pulling from trusted sources, practices with well-optimized, patient-friendly content have the chance to be cited directly inside these AI answers. That kind of exposure isn’t something you can buy — it’s earned through SEO.
Why Healthcare Practices Need Both SEO & PPC
Rather than choosing between ads and organic visibility, the smartest approach is to view them as complementary.
- SEO builds the authority and content foundation that makes your site eligible for AI citations
- PPC ensures you still capture patients searching with high commercial intent
When both are working in tandem, your practice has multiple touchpoints: cited within the AI Overview, visible in sponsored results, and ranking in the traditional organic listings.
This layered presence increases brand recognition and creates a sense of trust. Patients who see your practice mentioned in several different parts of the page are more likely to remember you and take action.
How Practices Can Adjust Their Marketing Strategy
Adjusting to this new search environment doesn’t mean abandoning ads. It does mean taking a more strategic view of your overall digital marketing. Practices should keep a close eye on campaign data to track how impressions and click-through rates shift as AI Overviews expand. They should also put renewed energy into building a strong content library: service pages, FAQs, and blog posts that directly answer patient questions in clear, authoritative ways.
Equally important is credibility. Google is more likely to feature content from practices that demonstrate expertise and professionalism. Accuracy, tone, and patient-centered messaging all play a role in signaling that your website is a trustworthy source.
Finally, practices need to remain flexible. Google is still testing ad placements within AI Overviews, and the way ads appear today may not be the same a year from now. Being prepared to adjust campaigns and content priorities as the landscape evolves will be a key advantage.
What the Future of Search Means for Healthcare Marketing
The emergence of AI Overviews is reshaping the search experience. Paid ads remain powerful tools, but they’re no longer the sole method of securing top visibility. Organic SEO is gaining even more weight, because it provides the chance to be featured within the very summaries patients see first.
At Rosemont Media, we see this as an opportunity rather than a setback. Practices that combine well-executed PPC campaigns with strong, ongoing SEO efforts will not only preserve visibility, but also expand it in ways that weren’t possible before. AI Overviews highlight high-quality content, and when paired with strategic ad placement, that creates a powerful one-two punch for capturing patient attention.
Key Takeaway: SEO & PPC Are Stronger Together in the AI Era
Google Ad Placement and AI Overviews are inseparable in today’s search results. Ads may appear above, below, or within AI summaries, but they no longer dominate the page alone. Practices that want to thrive in this environment must embrace both paid and organic strategies. By investing in SEO, you improve your chances of being featured in AI Overviews. By running targeted ads, you continue to reach high-intent patients ready to take the next step.
The future of patient acquisition belongs to practices that adapt, and that means building strategies where SEO and PPC work hand-in-hand. To learn how you can balance SEO and PPC in the era of AI Overviews, contact Rosemont Media today. Our team specializes in creating customized digital marketing strategies for medical and dental practices, helping you stay visible, competitive, and prepared for Google’s ongoing changes.
Helpful Resources
Google: About ads and AI Overviews
Search Engine Land: Ads arrive in Google AI Overviews – here’s what they look like