How to Customize/Create New SMS Template in EMR

Creating custom SMS templates in DocVilla EHR allows providers to streamline communication with patients effectively.

Steps to Customize/Create New SMS Template in EHR:

Step 1: Access Setup

From the main dashboard, click on “Setup.”

Step 2: Access Encounter Setup

Select “Enc Setup” from the available options.

Step 3: Select “Custom Templates”.

Step 4: Go to Create New Template

Scroll down and click on “Create New Template” in SMS section.

Step 5: Fill in the details:

Template Name
Template Type

Step 6: Craft the message content using macros to ensure personalization. Macros are placeholders that dynamically insert relevant information into the message. Below are some commonly used macros in the SMS templates for doctor-to-patient communication:

[Patient First Name]: Automatically inserts the patient's first name.
[Attending Physician Name]: Populates the name of the doctor responsible for the patient.
[Location Name]: Includes the name of the clinic or healthcare facility.
[Full Date and Time]: Displays the full date and time of the appointment or communication.
[Sending Provider Name]: Adds the name of the provider sending the SMS.
[Appointment Time]: Shows the specific time of the patient’s appointment.
[Pharmacy Name]: Includes the name of the patient’s associated pharmacy.
[Pharmacy Address]: Provides the address of the pharmacy.

Example Message Using Macros:
"Hello [Patient Name], this is a reminder for your appointment with Dr. [Attending Physician Name] at [Location Name] on [Full Date and Time]. Please arrive 10 minutes early. If you have any questions, contact [Sending Provider Name]."

Step 7: Save the template

Click on “Save” to save the template.

Step 8: Verify Template

Check the newly created SMS template in the SMS section.

Step 9: To send an SMS using the newly created template:

Select the patient from the patient list.
Click on the SMS icon to open the messaging interface.

Step 10: In the chat window, choose the desired template from the list.

Step 11: Click on “Use” to populate the message content in the SMS box.

Step 12: Review the message in the “Send SMS” box to ensure all details are accurate.

Step 13: Click “Send” to deliver the SMS to the patient.

By following these steps, healthcare providers can efficiently create and use personalized SMS templates, improving communication with patients while maintaining professionalism and accuracy.

Also read How To Send Text (SMS) to the patient here.How to Send Texts (SMS) to Patients