What Messaging helps you do
Messaging in DigitalPatientChart gives clinic staff a secure way to communicate with patients and with other team members. This capability was added in response to requests from the practices DPC serves, making it easier to keep conversations organized inside the platform.
You can use Messaging to answer routine patient questions, send follow-up information, coordinate internally, and stay aware of new activity through alerts and notifications.
- Send secure patient messages
- Reply to incoming conversations in one place
- Coordinate with providers and staff internally
- Track new messages with notifications and alerts
How to send a patient message
Open the Messaging area from your main navigation, then select the patient conversation or start a new one. Choose the correct patient before sending any message.
Write a clear, short message that explains the next step, answer, or follow-up detail the patient needs. Review the recipient and content, then send the message through the secure channel.
- Confirm you selected the right patient
- Keep the subject or first line specific
- Use plain language the patient can understand
- Include next steps when needed
How to use two-way messaging for follow-up
Two-way patient messaging lets staff continue the conversation without switching tools. That makes it easier to answer questions after visits, share updates, and keep communication moving.
When a patient replies, open the thread to view the full conversation history. Respond within the same thread so details stay together and the care team can quickly understand the context.
- Use one thread for one topic when possible
- Reply in the existing conversation instead of starting over
- Check the full message history before responding
- Share clear follow-up instructions when appropriate
How to collaborate with your internal team
Messaging also supports internal communication between staff and providers. Use it to ask questions, share updates, and coordinate tasks related to scheduling, follow-up, or patient communication.
Internal messaging works well when several people need visibility on the same conversation. It helps keep coordination inside DigitalPatientChart instead of spreading updates across separate channels.
- Send direct messages for one-to-one coordination
- Use group conversations when multiple staff members need visibility
- Keep messages focused on one action or update
- Review the thread before adding a new reply
How notifications and alerts help you stay current
Messaging includes notifications and alerts so staff can see when new communication needs attention. This helps teams stay responsive and keep patient and internal conversations moving.
Check your notifications regularly during the day and open new alerts promptly. For busy practices, this can make triage and follow-up much easier.
- Watch for new patient replies
- Review internal message alerts throughout the day
- Open unread conversations from your notification list
- Clear items after review to stay organized
Tips for efficient message workflows
A few simple habits can make Messaging easier to manage. Short, specific communication saves time and helps both patients and staff understand what happens next.
- Use consistent wording for common follow-up messages
- Keep each message brief and action-oriented
- Send updates from the correct patient or internal thread
- Review notifications at set times during the day
- Use Messaging for secure communication inside DigitalPatientChart
If your team is building new communication workflows, Messaging gives you a practical way to centralize outreach and internal coordination in one secure place.