What is a Reminders script?
A script is the message patients receive to remind them about an upcoming appointment.
Scripts let you personalize reminders with the information you want patients to know before their visit.
What should I do before creating scripts?
Before you start, think about these three things.
1. Start with the Script Library
The Script Library has prebuilt scripts that make it easy to get started.
Library scripts are available in English and Spanish.
You can use them as they are, or duplicate them and customize the copy.
2. Plan for your appointment types
If you want different messages for different appointment types, create a separate script for each appointment type.
Note: Depending on your EHR, your appointment types may sync to Updox automatically.
3. Gather patient contact information
Reminders only work if patient contact information is up to date. Make sure you have:
Phone numbers, including cell phone numbers
Email addresses
Who can create scripts?
Only admins can create new scripts.
How do I create a new script?
In the left-hand menu, click Reminders.
Click the Scripts tab. Your existing scripts are listed on the left side of the page. Click any script to review it.
Click + New Script in the top right corner.
Choose the communication method: text, email, or phone.
Give your script a name.
Type your message in the message field. To personalize it, add variables, such as your practice name or phone number. The available variables are listed in the blue box on the right side of the page.
To add a Spanish version, click + Spanish Version and enter your Spanish message.
Check Active when you're ready for the script to be used.
To make this the default script for its communication method, click Make Default Script.
To see what patients will receive, click Preview.
Click Save Script.
Can I change the subject line of email reminders?
No. Email reminders always use the subject line "Upcoming Appointment Reminder." It can't be changed right now.
How do variables work?
Variables fill in real information when the reminder is sent.
For example, if your script says [firstname], the patient named Bill will see "Bill" in their message.
Variables work the same way in Spanish scripts. Be sure to include them in your Spanish version too.
Does Updox translate my scripts into Spanish?
No. Updox doesn't translate scripts.
Library scripts already come with a Spanish version.
Custom scripts need to be entered already translated. Click + Spanish Version and type your Spanish message.
What is a default script?
The default script is used for any reminder that isn't tied to a specific appointment type.
Each method (text, email, and phone) must have one default script.
Scripts for a specific appointment type are used instead of the default for those appointments.
Library scripts aren't tied to appointment types.
In your script list, the default script for each method has a star icon next to it.
Where do my scripts show up after I save them?
Your saved script appears on the left side of the Scripts page, under Active or Inactive, depending on whether you checked Active.
How do I edit a script?
Click the script in your list.
Click Edit Script.
Make your changes and click Save Script.
How do I create a script from a Library script?
Library scripts are listed below your active scripts.
Click the Library script you want to use.
Click Duplicate Script.
Edit the copy as needed and click Save Script.
You can't edit Library scripts directly. The only change you can make to a Library script is to set it as the default.