NexHealth messages make communicating with your patients via text a breeze!
Send or respond to a message
1. Click on the Messages tab in the sidebar.
2. Start a new conversation by searching for a patient's name in the Find Patient search box.
3. Type a message in the message box and click Send.
4. Read and reply to messages from this same tab.
Message additions
You can use emojis, add attachments, and even respond with Saved responses or AI Quick Replies in your conversations with patients.
To add emojis to a message, click on the smiley face directly in the compose message box. Search for and select common emojis.
To add an attachment, click on the paperclip next to the smiley face. Browse for the file you'd like to attach and then compose your message as usual. You can send PDFs, JPGs, PNGs, and other files directly through text.
*Note: Smart commands cannot be inserted into Messages.
Message from the patient profile
1. To send a message from the patient profile, search for the patient in the patient search bar, then click the message icon.
2. Or, click on the patient's name from the search bar or anywhere else in NexHealth and then select the Messages tab from the patient profile.
*Note: By default, NexHealth sends messages to the primary number on a patient's profile. If a patient has more than one number, and you would prefer messages go to the other number, set it as the primary in your health record system. NexHealth will read it in, and then you can send the message.
Manage messages
1. To mark a message as unread or archive it, click on the ellipsis next to the patient’s name. Select Mark as unread or Archive.
Failed messages
If a message fails to be sent to a patient, a failed status displays in the message thread.
You can also review errors in the patient profile under the Messages tab.
Phone numbers used for Messages
To give you and your patients maximum flexibility, NexHealth uses three different phone numbers for your communications: one for messages and all other general communications such as reminders or post-appointment follow-ups; one for review requests, and a third for campaigns. This allows patients to manage their communication preferences effectively.
By using different numbers, patients can opt out of certain types of communications, such as campaigns or reviews, without affecting their ability to receive other important messages like reminders or two-way texts.
In many cases, you can use your own number for two-way texting and general communications such as reminders.
Use your number for communications
To initiate hosting your office number for general NexHealth communications, you must first complete your SMS registration.
Then follow the steps below:
1. Navigate to the gear icon in the top right of NexHealth and choose Settings.
2. Under the General settings on the left, select SMS registration.
3. Click on Use your own number.
4. Follow the steps to enter the required information.
Reasons a message might not be delivered
The message was sent outside of your sending hours (e.g. 7 AM message when your sending hours start at 8 AM)
The phone number in the patient profile does not exist or is incorrect
The patient has unsubscribed from that particular type of communication (this will display in the message thread and in the patient profile)
The patient has blocked the number
Your practice has not completed SMS registration