Text Messages
Text message program
What we send by text, how to start or stop it, and what we will never put in a message.
In short
- Texts are about your appointments with us, and nothing else.
- They are optional. Your care never depends on them.
- Reply STOP at any time to stop them, or HELP for help.
- We never text medical details, test results, or the reason for your visit.
What we send
Three kinds of message. There is no fourth.
- A link to book your first visit, once our staff have reviewed your new patient paperwork.
- Confirmation of an appointment you have booked, with the date, time and which office to come to.
- A reminder the day before your appointment.
How to start receiving them
You can only be signed up by asking for it yourself. When you fill in our new patient form, you reach a consent step with a separate checkbox for text messages. It is not ticked for you, and you do not have to tick it. If you do, you will receive a short message confirming you are signed up. You can also ask the front desk to turn them on or off for you at any time.
You never have to agree
Agreeing to text messages is not a condition of being seen, of booking, or of any part of your care. If you would rather not receive them, we will call you instead, exactly as we do today. Nobody at the practice is told whether you agreed.
How often, and what it costs
We do not send on a schedule. You receive a message only when something happens with one of your appointments, so how many you get depends entirely on how often you are seen. Most patients receive a handful a year. We do not charge for the messages, but message and data rates from your own mobile carrier may apply, depending on your plan.
Your information
Your mobile number and your answer to the consent question are kept with the rest of your record at the practice and are handled under our Notice of Privacy Practices, the same as anything else you tell us. Text messages travel over the ordinary mobile network, which is why we keep them free of any medical detail.
What they look like
- Kailua Cardiology: Your new patient forms are complete. Book your first visit here: kailuacardiology.com/booking Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.
- Kailua Cardiology: You're booked for Tue Oct 7 at 10:15 AM, 25 Maluniu Ave Ste 201. Please bring your insurance card and photo ID. Reply STOP to opt out.
- Kailua Cardiology: Reminder of your appointment tomorrow at 10:15 AM. To change it call (808) 439-8450. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.
How to stop them
Reply STOP to any message. That stops them immediately and you will get one message confirming it, and then nothing further. You can also call the office and ask us to turn them off, or tell the front desk at your next visit. Stopping text messages does not affect your appointments or your care in any way.
How to get help
Reply HELP to any message and you will receive our office number and hours. You are always welcome to simply call the office instead.
What we will never do
- We will never include a diagnosis, a test result, a medication, or the reason for your visit in a text message.
- We will never send you advertising, offers, or anything promoting a product or service.
- We will never sell, rent, or share your mobile number with anyone for their own marketing.
- We will never ask you for a password, a card number, or your Social Security number by text.
Questions about any of this
Call the office and ask for the front desk. We are happy to explain it, turn the messages on or off for you, or leave them off entirely.