Add a Reminder to the Communication Timeline

Creation date: 6/8/2026 2:40 PM    Updated: 6/8/2026 9:17 PM

Overview

Set up a reminder that sends automatically before a patient's appointment. Saving the reminder on the Communication Timeline is what makes it "live" and active for future matching appointments.

Before you begin

  • Access to Config > Reminders > Communication Timeline.
  • A reminder template in Config> Reminders > Message Templates (required for the reminder to send).
  • Reminders enabled for the matching location, appointment type, and resource/provider.

Steps

  1. Go to Config> Reminders > Communication Timeline.
  2. Find the day you want the reminder to send. Choose the box that matches how many days before the appointment the text should go out.
  3. Click that day on the timeline. This opens a new Communication Setting form.
  4. Set Event Type to Appointment Reminder.
  5. Set Communication Method to SMS, Email, or Phone.
  6. Choose Days Before / After Visit. For a standard reminder, select how many days before the appointment the text should send.
  7. Choose Time of Day. This is the time the reminder will be sent.
  8. Review the optional reminder rules:
    • Turn on Skip if already confirmed? to stop the reminder from sending once the patient has confirmed.
    • Turn on Skip if cancel requested? to stop the reminder from sending after a patient asks to cancel or reschedule.
    • Turn on Include registration forms? to include paperwork or registration access with the reminder when available.
  9. Decide who the reminder applies to:
    • Leave it as Applies to All Patients to use the reminder broadly.
    • Click Change? or Assignments to limit it to specific appointment type groups, resource groups, or location groups.
  10. Click Save. The reminder is added to the Communication Timeline and becomes a live setting for future appointments that match the rule.
  11. Confirm the reminder appears on the Communication Timeline.