25+ ready to use SMS templates for healthcare

When it comes to healthcare, more than a third of people prefer to self-manage their medical affairs digitally – such as through an online portal – than to speak to another human. To meet this demand, you need to digitalise your patient communication strategy. 

Rather than letters and phone calls, sending reminders and confirmations as well as other important notifications via a mobile messaging channel like SMS is both effective and preferable for patients.

With SMS messaging solutions for healthcare you can benefit not only from instant delivery, but also from open rates as high as 98% and average response times of 90 seconds.

Here are 25 examples of SMS, RCS and WhatsApp messages you can send to your patients.

25 text templates for the healthcare industry

Appointment reminders

Missed appointments are costly in the healthcare sector. They waste valuable time and resources, adding to the pressure of waiting lists and causing frustration for patients and staff.

Copy these appointment reminder text templates to help keep no-shows down at your practice:

A simple confirmation:

Hi [Name], we’re just confirming your appointment on [DATE] at [TIME]. Please ring the practice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

A simple reminder:

Hello [NAME], you have an appointment on [DATE] at [TIME]. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before your appointment time.

Encourage a response:

Hi [NAME], your appointment with [DOCTOR NAME] is on [DATE] at [TIME]. Please confirm by replying with Y or N to reschedule.

A rich message version:

Hi [NAME], you have an appointment today with [DOCTOR NAME] at [TIME]. Need to make any changes?

[Button: Reschedule] [Button: Call reception]

For new patients:

Hi [NAME], you have an appointment tomorrow with [DOCTOR]. Please fill out our new patient form: [URL] Call us on [NUMBER] if you have any questions.

Opt-in confirmation

A simple confirmation:

Hello [NAME], you’re now signed up to receive updates from [PRACTICE NAME]. 

Add a link:

Hi [NAME], thank you for signing up to receive [CHANNEL] updates from us. We’ll be sending you the latest health-related news. Want to opt out? [LINK]

Opt-out confirmation

A short confirmation:

You have successfully unsubscribed from our [CHANNEL] updates.

Add personalisation:

Hi [NAME], just confirming that you’ve successfully unsubscribed from receiving text messages from us. We’re sorry to see you go!

Test results

A short alert:

Your test results are now ready. Please ring the practice.

Add a link:

Hi [NAME], your test results are now available on our portal: [LINK] Please ring us if you have any questions. [NUMBER]

A rich message:

Hello [NAME], your test results are now ready. Please book a slot with us to discuss the results:

[Button: Book appointment] [Button: Call us]

Survey request

SMS surveys are a great way to get instant and honest feedback from patients, which you can use to gauge customer satisfaction and improve your services.

Steal these text message survey templates for your practice:

Following up from an appointment:

Hi [NAME], could you please take a minute to take our short survey and let us know what you thought when you attended your appointment on [DATE]? It would really help us improve our services.

Following up on an appointment no-show:

Our records show that you did not attend your appointment on [DATE]. Could you please take a moment to let us know why so we can update our records? [LINK]

Invitation

Screening invitation:

[NAME], it’s time for your [CONDITION] screening. Please ring the practice and book an appointment with us.

Reminder to book a recurring appointment:

Hi [NAME], it’s time for your quarterly [APPOINTMENT] check-up. Click here to book: [URL]

Inactive patient invitation:

It’s been [NUMBER] months since your last appointment, [NAME]. Book your next appointment soon and avoid [ISSUE].

Preventative treatment promotion:

Hi [NAME], the days are getting longer, hotter and brighter. When was the last time you had a skin cancer screening? Make a preventative appointment today with [DOCTOR NAME]!

Event promotion:

We’re holding a drop-in session at [PRACTICE] on [DATE] at [TIME]. Come along and share your concerns with our service or healthcare in general. Together, we can find a solution!

Loyalty/referral:

Hi [NAME], if you know anyone that’s looking for a new [DOCTOR/DENTIST ETC], refer them to us and you’ll receive [INCENTIVE].

Service update

Keeping your patients informed about upcoming closures for holidays and changes to opening hours will help you to provide a positive patient experience.

Closure reminder:

Please note that the practice is closed today for [HOLIDAY]. We will open on [DATE] at [TIME].

Opening hours reminder:

Hi [NAME], just an update regarding our opening hours for [HOLIDAY]. Our team will be available on [DAYS] at [TIME]. 

Loyalty promotion

Happy holidays, [NAME]! As a little thank you for being with us for all these years, get [% DISCOUNT] off all [TREATMENTS] until [DATE].

Marketing promotion

SMS marketing is an effective way to get more patients into your practice, whether this is with a limited time discount, exclusive offer, or promoting a new service or treatment.

Here are some templates you can use:

Offering a discount

[NAME], do you suffer from [CONDITION]? If so, get [% DISCOUNT] on [TREATMENT]. Call us today for a free consultation! Offer valid until [DATE]

Personalised offer

Hi [NAME], thinking about [TREATMENT]? Our records show that you might be an ideal candidate. Book your free consultation with us today: [NUMBER]

New service or treatment

Hi, [NAME]. Did you know we now offer [TREATMENT]? Visit our website or call today to get booked in: [NUMBER]

Esendex: Your partner for better healthcare communications

From lowering appointment no-shows to offering a better patient experience, mobile messaging channels like SMS, WhatsApp and RCS can help you have more memorable interactions with patients. Benefit from personalisation, rich messaging features (e.g. buttons, images and videos) and automation, which will deliver more positive patient conversations and free up time for healthcare professionals.

Want to learn more about how a messaging partner like Esendex can help your organisation?