Bill Patients by Text (SMS)
Send bills and reminders by text message, and chat with patient via text.
Getting Started with Text Messaging
The text (SMS) billing Feature allows you to:
- Send invoice and reminders by text to patients
- Receive patient replies by text message
- Send direct messages to patients
- Send payment reminders and confirmations
- Improve patient communication
Step 1 – Enable Text Message Service
Once AR Proactive Support enables SMS for your account:
- Log into your Provider Portal
- Open Settings
- Open SMS Settings
- Enable SMS Service
- Accept SMS billing consent
Step 2 – Configure Your Text Messages
You can customize:
- Invoice messages
- Reminder messages
- Payment plan messages
- Payment confirmations
- Failed autopay notifications
Default templates are already provided.
You may personalize messages using available variables such as:
- Patient Name
- Payment Link
Step 3 – Select Your Text Message Number
Before sending messages:
- Open SMS Settings
- Click “Get a Number”
- Search by area code or preferred number
- Select your number
- Purchase the number
- Select the purchased number
- Click Save
Your SMS service is now ready.
Step 4 – Enable Text Messaging for Patients
To enable SMS for a patient:
- Open Patient Details
- Locate the Text/SMS section
- Add or verify phone numbers
- Enable SMS delivery
- Save Changes
Patients can also manage SMS preferences through:
BillPaySafely
Step 5 – Approve Outgoing SMS Messages
SMS reminders generated by uploaded jobs require approval before sending.
To approve messages:
- Open the Jobs section
- Open the related job
- Review pending SMS messages
- Edit the message if needed
- Approve and send
You will also receive email notifications when messages are pending approval.
Step 6 – Use the Text Inbox
The Text Inbox allows direct communication with patients.
You can:
- Send messages anytime
- Reply to patient messages
- Review conversation history
- Continue ongoing SMS conversations
The Text Inbox is only visible when SMS is enabled for your account.
Payment Links in SMS
Invoice SMS messages may include secure payment links.
When patients click the link:
- They are redirected to:
BillPaySafely - Their invoice is highlighted automatically
- Logged-in patients are redirected directly to their dashboard
This allows patients to quickly review and pay invoices securely.
Additional Automatic SMS Notifications
The system may also automatically send:
- Failed Autopay Notifications
- Payment Confirmation Messages
These messages help keep patients informed about payment activity.
Frequently Asked Questions Can providers start conversations manually?
Yes. Providers can send direct SMS messages anytime using the Text Inbox.
Are SMS messages automatically sent?No. Job-generated SMS messages require provider approval before sending.
Can patients reply to SMS messages?Yes. Patients can reply directly to the provider’s SMS number.
What happens if SMS is disabled?All SMS-related menus and features become hidden.
Can patients manage SMS preferences themselves?Yes. Patients may manage settings through:
BillPaySafely