Why do text messages have to include the practice phone number and the SMS opt out option?
This is to comply with rules set in place by the Federal Communications Commission. In the “Empowering Consumers to Say Stop” clause of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the FCC ruled consumers should “have the right to revoke their consent to receive robocalls and robotexts in any reasonable way at any time,” and that this ability should apply “to wireless, and landline home service.”
To facilitate this, all standard text message templates within RevenueWell include opt-out capability. This way, recipients can provide or revoke consent at any time with every message sent. These templates also include your practice name and phone number – providing an additional layer of compliance security.
Please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to adhere to the rules established by the TCPA. Crucially, this includes keeping text message content consistent with TCPA’s definition of “healthcare messaging.” This means your text messages should be used to communicate with patients around coordination and delivery of care, and not about patients’ balances, your office policies, or your marketing promotions. Although it is possible to communicate with patients about these matters via text, you need special consent from patients to send such text messages since they aren’t “healthcare messages.” While RevenueWell has provided numerous safeguards within the system to aid you in staying compliant, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure all the content you create and send through the platform is compliant with the TCPA rules.
THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
For questions about these regulations, always confer with your attorney. The information contained herein should not be construed as legal advice.