PatientNow Essentials/ EnvisionNow Multi-Number Updates
To help ensure better text message deliverability, we’ve made updates to your text-sending numbers while keeping your practice compliant with carrier guidelines. Starting on or around 10/6, you will have two new dedicated toll-free numbers automatically assigned to your business:
Marketing messages (campaigns, promotions, announcements)
Transactional messages (appointment reminders, confirmations, correspondence)
Both numbers use the trusted 866 toll-free format and include streamlined opt-in processes that meet CTIA carrier standards.
FAQ
Q. Why did you make these changes?
Phone Carriers have become increasingly strict about text message filtering. By separating marketing and transactional messages onto dedicated toll-free numbers, we significantly improve delivery rates while ensuring full compliance with carrier regulations.
Q. What’s the difference between the two numbers?
Marketing Number: Used for promotional content, newsletters, special offers, and general announcements. Has stricter compliance requirements but allows more creative messaging.
Transactional Number: Reserved for appointment reminders, confirmations, cancellations, and other essential business communications. These messages have higher delivery priority with carriers.
Q. Why separate numbers for marketing and appointment SMS?
We’ve set up separate numbers for marketing and appointment messages so patients can manage their preferences without missing important reminders. For example, if a patient opts out of marketing texts, they’ll still get their appointment confirmations. This way, your promotions stay compliant, and your patients never lose critical updates about their care.
Q. Where can I view my new numbers?
Once your number is assigned, you can view your numbers by navigating to Company Settings > Company Info.
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Q. Can I pick my own number?
No. Numbers are assigned automatically through our provider. Customers cannot choose custom numbers.
These are toll-free numbers (866). Carriers now require businesses that use local 10DLC numbers to go through a long registration process and pay extra fees. By giving you a toll-free 866 number instead, we skip all of that—no forms, no delays, no extra cost. Toll-free numbers are trusted by carriers, so your texts are more likely to be delivered, and your patients see a professional, consistent number every time.
Q. Will this affect my current messaging campaigns?
No. Your existing campaigns will continue running seamlessly. The system automatically routes messages to the appropriate number based on content type. You don't need to modify any existing templates or schedules.
Q. Will this cost more?
No additional fees for the toll-free numbers or compliance features. Standard messaging rates still apply based on your current plan.
Q. How do I handle client questions about the new numbers?
Most clients won't notice or care, but if they ask:
Explain it's an upgrade for better message delivery
Reassure them they can still opt out of either message type
Emphasize that appointment reminders and marketing are now separate for their convenience
Q. What are the new opt-in compliance updates?
Flexible Opt-in Options: Consent options are now split between appointment reminders vs. marketing texts. You can still select all with one click.
Save Reminders: If no option is selected when saving a client record, you’ll see a popup reminder.
Pending Opt-In: Clients must confirm by replying “Start” before they receive any texts. Until then, you’ll see a “Pending opt-in” status.
Unsubscribes Made Clear: If a client texts “Stop,” “Unsubscribe,” “End,” or “Quit,” the opt-out shows in their record. They can only rejoin by texting “Start” or “Unstop.”
Online Booking & Concierge Opt-in: New accounts default to SMS opt-in (unless unchecked). If unchecked, clients will be opted into email instead.
You can view more info about the opt-in compliance process here.
Text Messaging Best Practices to Follow
Include clear opt-out instructions (e.g., "Reply STOP to unsubscribe")
Send messages only during allowed hours (8 AM – 9 PM local time)
Include trusted links (avoid generic URL shorteners; like Bitly, Tiny URL, and Short URL)
Limit campaigns to 2–4 per month (unless expected otherwise)
Segment your audience to make messages more relevant
Keep text under 160 characters where possible
Do not send federal forbidden use cases to avoid resulting in Campaign rejection
Character Count:
1 text part = 160 characters. If you go over that character limit, it will count as multiple message parts. Emojis and other special characters count as multiple characters.
Glossary
10DLC: 10-Digit Local SMS Number
Compliance: The texting industry follows guidelines, like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, regulated by the FCC, to prevent spammers from violating consumer rights. But it also follows regulations by the industry, mobile phone carriers, and other government organizations.
CTIA: The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) is an organization that represents the U.S. wireless communications industry.
Link Shortener/Short link: Short links are URLs that have been shortened using a link shortening service for use in SMS communications. They may also be referred to as “mobile tracking links” or simple “mobile links.”
Opt-In/Subscribe: Opting in is when a customer explicitly signs up to receive SMS communication from a business.
Opt-Out/Unsubscribe: Opting out is the act of unsubscribing from a business’s text messages or declining to opt-in.
SMS: SMS stands for Short Message Service and is more commonly known as texting. It’s a way to send text-only messages to or between phones.
Spam: Spam refers to SMS messages which are unsolicited and unwanted.
TCPA: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act is a set of regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that aim to protect consumers’ privacy and reduce spam. It specifically prohibits certain types of automated calls, texts, and faxes