In this blog post, we’ll explore how chiropractors should use text messaging to communicate with their patients.
We’ve compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts for how to use text messaging as a chiropractor. Let’s start with the Don’ts and move our way into the Do’s.
Don’t text patients without their permission
Always make sure patients are opted in before texting them. It’s important to get their consent. Also, let them know if various carrier rates will apply for receiving text messages from your practice. It’s essential to up front and transparent about your texting.
Don’t overwhelm patients with too many text messages
It’s good to keep in touch, but you don’t bombard your patients with a deluge of text messages. There is nothing more annoying than spam. Make sure you do send out operational messages as needed (announcements, appointment reminders, follow up surveys, etc.) Occasionally, it’s okay to send out promotional messages or special offers, but send these less frequently.
Don’t share sensitive medical information via text
Don’t share personal health information or personal identifiers in text messages (but first names should be okay.) If you do, then you could be in violation of HIPAA.
And now for the Do’s of texting.
Do text out appointment reminders
According to an article in Forbes, patients who fail to meet just one appointment are 70% more likely to not return again within 18 months. This is a huge missed opportunity for chiropractors.
One of the best ways that chiropractors use texting is to help them reduce no shows. They do this by sending out appointment reminders. Make sure your text messages for appointment reminders are scheduled out in advance. Also, give your patients a chance to reschedule within your practice’s accepted window for rescheduling or canceling an appointment.
Do provide an easy way to opt out
Make sure you provide an easy way for your patients to opt out of text communication with you and that you communicate it clearly to them. It could be as simple as texting “STOP” back to a text message.
Do allow your patients to text your practice
Make sure that your text messaging is a two-way street. You should be able to send your patients messages and they should be able to text back. Not only should they be able to text back, but you should make sure you have staff paying attention to your text messages so that you can respond promptly. Also, you should allow your patients to book an appointment via text message because many people prefer to interact by text versus phone.
Do send out follow up text messages after a patient’s appointment
After a patient’s held appointment, do send out a follow up text message to say thank you for their visit. This text message can also include a few other components:
- A review us link so they can review your practice on Facebook or Google. The more highly satisfied patients that review your practice, the better it will be for business. It will help other patients considering your practice make the decision to pay you a visit. And it will help Google rank you higher in search results.
- A survey link to let your practice know how they did. It’s always a good idea to keep your pulse on patient satisfaction.
- A link to schedule their next appointment.
As always, thank you for reading our blog. I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions about texting or want to know more about our texting solution, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
