Texting in Healthcare: Tips and Templates

The healthcare industry plays a vital role in society. As immediate, reliable communication is essential between providers and their patients, what better way to connect with patients than through medical text messaging?

Well-crafted, HIPAA-compliant SMS messages can benefit any healthcare-related business, from doctors, dentists and optometrists to massage therapists and chiropractors. Text messaging in healthcare will help save your practice time and money by getting critical information directly to your patients.  

Benefits of Healthcare Text Messaging

Communicating with patients for routine and critical matters is often complicated and time-consuming. Reaching out via text messaging is a fast and effective way to convey important patient information while creating a personal way to engage.

Here are five ways to use text messaging for healthcare businesses:

• Sending appointment reminders and accepting cancellations 
• Providing office location and business hours
• Communicating test results 
• Offering health tips
• Sending prescription refill reminders

Risks of Sending Healthcare SMS

Due to the sensitive information that patients share with their medical providers, you must take text messaging risks in the medical field seriously. Here are five risks you should be aware of and protect against when sending text messages between patients and staff:

• Use end-to-end encryption. Data without end-to-end encryption can be intercepted by unauthorized third parties.
• Encourage Device Password Protection. Lost or stolen mobile devices can potentially expose protected health information (PHI).
• Enable Recipient Verification. Messages without recipient verification can be sent to incorrect email addresses.

HIPAA

Ensuring that you send HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant text messages is essential before you begin an SMS texting plan for your healthcare organization.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIPAA created national standards “to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.” Violating HIPAA laws puts you in danger of criminal charges, including steep fines and imprisonment.

HIPAA requires that you:

• Get permission from your recipients via express written consent.
• Limit Protected Health Information (PHI) access via unique user IDs, emergency access procedures, and automatic logoff.
• Send only secure, encrypted messages. 
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
• Limit the information you send via text to protect patient privacy.
• Keep accurate records of all messages.
• Erase data to protect against theft.

Read 7 Rules to HIPAA-Compliant Text Messages

15 Healthcare Text Templates to Use Today

Ready to use medical text messaging for your healthcare business? We’ve compiled a variety of text message templates that you can customize and put into use immediately.

Templates for Doctor’s Offices and Hospitals

Hi [First_Name], thanks for signing up to receive updates from [Office_Name]! We know you have choices in healthcare providers, and we appreciate your trust in us.

Hi [First_Name], we’re confirming your appointment with [Doctor Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Please confirm by replying Y, or to reschedule, reply R. 

Hi [First_Name], your recent test results are available on our patient portal [URL]. Please call us at [Phone Number] if you have any questions.

Hi [First_Name], when was the last time you had a skin cancer screening? Outdoor activities take a toll on all of us. Make an appointment today with our new dermatology partner, [Doctor Name] at [Phone Number] and get a free bottle of sunscreen!

Templates for Dental Offices

Hi [First_Name], we’re confirming your next cleaning appointment with [Hygienist Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Please confirm by replying Y, or to reschedule, reply R – and don’t forget to floss!

Hi [First_Name], we’re building our practice! If you know anyone looking for a new dentist, could you give them our contact info? If your referral becomes a customer, we’ll treat you to a free teeth whitening session! Thank you for your loyalty, [Dental Office] [Phone Number].

Hi [First_Name], if you grind your teeth at night, we feel your pain. Get 25% off custom-fitted mouthguards this month and sleep soundly again. Call us today for a free consultation at [Phone Number]. [Dental Office]

Templates for Optometry Offices

Hi [First_Name], it's time to schedule your annual vision screening at [Office Name]. Call [Phone Number] or text back to schedule an appointment today.

Hi [First_Name], if you’re having trouble reading this message, it may be time for some new glasses! Call [Phone Number] or text to schedule an appointment today with [Doctor Name].

Hi [First_Name], protect your eyes all year round with a pair of prescription sunglasses! This month only, get 50% off select frames. Call [Doctor Name] for a free fitting at [Phone Number].

Hi [First_Name], curious about Lasik? Our records show that you might be an ideal candidate for permanent vision correction with our partner, [Doctor Name]. Call for a free consultation at [Phone Number].

Templates for Chiropractors and Spas

Hi [First_Name], our records show that it’s been six months since your last adjustment. If you’re ready to feel flexible again, come see us! Call [Doctor Name] at [Phone Number] to book your next appointment.

Hi [First_Name], we have a new line of facial and massage treatments we know you’ll love! Call today to book your appointment – spots are filling up fast! [Spa Name], [Phone Number].

Fill ‘er up! We’re offering a special discount on fillers and botox this month only. We have limited appointments available, so call today to secure your spot! [Spa Name], [Phone Number].

Patient Survey Template

Hi [First_Name], could you take a quick survey about your appointment with [Practitioner_Name] today? We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we value your feedback: [Survey_Link]

Partner with Textedly for Effective Healthcare Communications

Texting in healthcare is more important now than ever. Whether you’re building your practice or just want to provide better service to your existing patients, incorporating an easy-to-use SMS platform like Textedly can significantly change your healthcare business.

Sign up for a free Textedly trial now!