Related Terms
Appointment reconversion
Mass messaging (healthcare)
See Also
Recall texts are one of the main tools for rebooking lapsed patients. See how mass messaging supports recall campaigns.
Mass Messaging
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
Category Core: Patient comms
Reading time: 1 min
Updated: Oct 2026
Patient Recall Messaging
Definition
Patient recall messaging is outreach that tells existing patients they're due for a visit, such as an annual physical, a six-month cleaning, or a follow-up lab, and invites them to book.
Why the distinction matters
Recall lists used to live on paper or in an EMR report someone ran once a quarter. A staffer would call down the list between check-ins, leave voicemails, and lose track of who had already heard from the office.
Automated recall pulls due dates from the EMR and sends the message on a schedule. Texts tend to work well here because the patient can tap a link and book on the spot.
A good recall program also stops messaging a patient once they book, so no one gets a reminder for a visit already on the calendar.
Example
Illustrative workflow: a family practice flags patients whose last physical was 11 months ago. Each one gets a text saying they're due, with a booking link. Anyone who hasn't booked after a week gets one follow-up, and anyone still silent goes on a short call list for staff.
Frequently Asked
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What's the difference between a recall and a reminder?
A reminder is for a visit already booked. A recall goes to a patient who is due for care but has no appointment yet.
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How often should recall messages go out?
Most practices send the first message near the due date and one or two follow-ups over the next few weeks. More than that tends to drive opt-outs.
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Can recall texts include the reason for the visit?
Keep them general, like "you're due for a checkup." Specific conditions or test names count as PHI and shouldn't go over standard SMS.