Related Terms
No-show rate
Appointment confirmation
See Also
Reminder timing and wording make a big difference. See how automated reminders are set up
Automated SMS Reminders
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
Category Core: Patient Communications
Reading time: 1 min
Updated: Nov 2026
Automated Appointment Reminders
Definition
Automated appointment reminders are texts, calls, or emails sent automatically before a scheduled visit, pulling the date and time from the practice's schedule.
Why the distinction matters
Manual reminder calls eat staff time and still miss people. Automated reminders run on rules instead: for example, a text three days out and another the morning of the visit. Staff set the timing once, and every booked patient gets the same messages without anyone dialing.
The best reminders ask for a reply. A one-way notice only informs the patient. A two-way reminder lets them confirm, cancel, or reschedule, giving the front desk time to refill the slot. The message should include the date, time, location, and prep steps, and leave out any clinical details.
Example
Atlas Medical Center set up automated reminders and confirmations. Based on Curogram's internal data, its no-show rate dropped from 14.20% to 4.91% in three months.
Frequently Asked
-
How far in advance should appointment reminders be sent?
Many practices send one two to three days out and a second the day before or the morning of the visit.
-
Are text reminders better than phone call reminders?
Texts are faster to read and reply to, and they don't need staff time. Some practices keep calls for patients who prefer them.
-
What should an appointment reminder text include?
The practice name, date, time, location, and a simple way to confirm or reschedule. Leave out the reason for the visit.