Sometimes you need to contact a group of patients quickly - sending a New Blast makes it easy!
Send a targeted text message or email to a specific group of patients.
In the menu on the left side of your screen, click Blasts >> New Blast:
(click photos to enlarge)
There are 4 steps to go through when sending a New Blast.
1. Find Patients (create a list with advanced patient search)
Click the link above for a more in-depth explanation of the advanced search filters to find the exact right group of patients to send targeted messages to:
When you've selected all the criteria you are want to search for, click "Create List" (under the search filters).
2. Review List
Once you've created a list, you can review it - if there are any patients that you want to remove, click the blue dot to the left of their name.
You can also click the blue All button next to the patient's name column to deselect every name so you can handpick patients from the list to send a blast to:
For Blast Text Messages: if you want to send a blast text message, keep in mind that there is a limit of 100 patients.
You will get an alert letting you know that your list is too long if you're trying to send a text. You will need to reduce the number of patients on your list:
*Note: If your message exceeds 146 characters, it will create multiple texts which can slow things down and delay the message!
Texting is meant for situations where you urgently need to contact a limited number of people, with a short message.
Ex: If you need to clear your schedule one day, a text would probably be the best way to let everyone know, who has an appointment that day.
If you need to get a longer message out to a lot of patients, I'd suggest you send an email - too many texts can feel like spam.
3. Create Message
Click the blue icon (automatically set to send an email) for the option to send a text instead:
Don't forget to fill out the subject line for emails, you won't be able to continue on to send your message without one!
Merge fields (under the text box): You can use these to personalize your messages - drag and drop them into your message (patient or responsible party's first name, etc).
Templates: Save time by writing and saving pre-made messages
When your message is ready, click "Next" so you can send your message.
4. Confirm to Send
When you're satisfied with your message and are ready to send, you can review your patient list, and send a test email or text to yourself:
Once you're ready, click "Send" - I'll ask you to confirm, and when you do you'll see a message
Depending on how many patients you're blasting, and the length of your message, it may take a few minutes to send - you'll get a notification when it's been sent:
Your message History will automatically be opened at this point - you may need to refresh the page to see your most recent blast:
If you click on a blast title it will open the list of patients who got that blast (click Details next to a patient's name to view their details or message history):
You will need to go to a patient's message history to view the actual message that was sent.