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This article will go over how to setup the templates used for sending out text messages to your patients.
You are able to setup different templates for SMS text messaging for Appointments and for general Chats. To locate where the templates are held you will navigate to the Left Menu Panel and then down to Admin.
Click on Admin and then locate Options
Click into Options and locate SMS
Once you click on SMS you will be in the settings for SMS. You will see your assigned number at the top and then right below that is where you will be able to setup your templates. You can see there is a default template setup for you for the appointment reminder. You will also notice the Appointment Reminders options, this is where you can choose when your appointment reminders go out.
To setup your SMS Templates you will click the "+ New Template" that is above the default template. Once you click on it the New SMS Template box will open up and this is where you will create your SMS template and choose if you want this template to be for an Appointment or a chat.
Appointment Template
On the New SMS Template screen you are going to choose the Template Type by clicking on the drop down arrow under Template Type and choose Appointment. You can also associate this Appointment Template with a certain Visit Type by clicking on the drop down arrow on Visit Type (this is optional). Now that you have your SMS Template Type setup you can add in your message. You are able to insert links, like the Online Patient Questionnaire link by copying and pasting and you can also add in Merge Fields by clicking on the Insert Data. Once you have everything setup you can hit Save and that template is complete.
Appointment Reminders
The default Appointment Reminders are set so your patients will receive a text right away when you schedule their appointment in the DW+ Appointment Book and then 1 week before their appointment and 1 day before their appointment. You can choose how you want this set by unchecking any of the options.
You can also toggle off the Appointment Reminders per patient on their appointment. To do that you will locate the SMS Reminder toggle button on the Appointment Details box. Click on it to toggle it off, by default it is set for patients to receive text messages. This is where you will also choose which SMS Appointment Template you would like to use when sending out appointment reminders.
Chat Template
To setup a Chat Template you will choose "Chat" from the drop down menu under Template Type. Once you choose Chat the Visit Type will go away since this is not going to be associated with a visit. You will then name your Template and enter in your message. Just like with the Appointment Template you will be able to add in links and Merge Fields. Once you have your message set, hit Save and you are all set.
To text a patient you will go to their chart and under their name you will see the SMS icon, a chat bubble. Click on that you will be able to text your patient.
This is where you can use your Chat Templates. When the SMS/Text Window opens you see right above the Send button is says Template, click on that and you are able to choose which Chat Template you would like to use if you have multiple.
When you have chosen which template you want to use it will put it in the Message Box and you can now send your text off.
