Broadcast rules
What is the Broadcast text warning?
Before you send a Broadcast text, you'll see this notice:
"I understand that I cannot use Updox Broadcast to send targeted marketing or promotional messages. Failure to observe this policy is in violation of my Master Service Agreement and may result in Updox suspending or disabling access to Broadcast."
This notice was added because the carriers that deliver text messages have new restrictions.
What can't I send in a Broadcast text?
Marketing or promotional messages, including offers for prescription medicines
Messages about cannabis, including words like MMJ, marijuana, cannabis, releaf, and CBD
Shortened links, like Bitly or TinyURL. A Broadcast with a shortened link won't send.
Tip: To include a link, use a link on your own business domain, such as www.yourpractice.com/flu-shots.
Sending Broadcasts
Can patients reply to a Broadcast message?
No. Broadcast is one-way. Replies to a Broadcast message aren't received.
When will my Broadcast be sent?
Broadcasts are queued, then sent:
Same-day Broadcasts send as quickly as possible.
Recurring Broadcasts start sending at 9:00 AM.
Where do I send Broadcasts, lists, templates, and reports?
Everything is under Broadcast in the left-hand menu:
To… | Go to |
Send a Broadcast | Broadcast > Create |
Make a patient list | Broadcast > Lists |
Make a template | Broadcast > Templates |
See delivery reports | Broadcast > Reporting |
See recurring Broadcasts | Broadcast > Dashboard > Recurring |
Recurring Broadcasts
How do I set up a recurring Broadcast?
Create your Broadcast as usual.
In the Set to Repeat dropdown, choose how often to send it.
Send the first Broadcast. This starts the schedule.
The same list and message are sent each time.
When do recurring Broadcasts send?
Repeat | Sends |
Daily | Every day at 9:00 AM |
Weekly | At 9:00 AM, on the same day of the week as the first Broadcast |
Monthly | At 9:00 AM, on the same day of the month as the first Broadcast |
How do I see or stop a recurring Broadcast?
In the left-hand menu, click Broadcast.
Click Dashboard, then the Recurring tab.
To stop a recurring Broadcast, click Delete.
Note: Only admins can stop a recurring Broadcast.
Patient opt-outs and preferences
How does a patient stop getting Broadcast messages?
The patient replies STOP to a Broadcast text. They won't get Broadcast texts after that.
How does a patient start getting Broadcasts again?
The patient replies START.
A patient doesn't want a certain type of message, like texts. What do I do?
In the patient's Address Book entry, set their preferred reminder method to No Reminders, or to a method other than the one they don't want.
When you send a Broadcast, set Respect patients' communication method to Yes.
With this on, Updox only sends the Broadcast to patients whose preferred method matches the Broadcast type. For example, a patient whose preference is home phone won't get a text Broadcast.
Note: A patient's preferred method also affects Reminders.
Lists
How do I send a Broadcast to only certain patients?
Create a custom list under Broadcast > Lists, then choose it in Send To.
Can I delete a Broadcast list?
No. You can deactivate or rename a list, but you can't delete it.