Clinic-Initiated Direct Messages

How to Send a Direct Patient Message

Direct patient messaging allows clinics to send a message directly to individual patients in the Mikata dashboard. Basic messages have a character count of 160.

Capabilities

• The message can be created from a template and then customized, or written from scratch.

• The message can include links to pre-visit instructions or information collection chats.

• You can search up an individual patient to send them a message, as long as they've had a previous appointment (since integration with Mikata) or have an upcoming appointment.

Limitations

• Currently limited to one way conversation. Messages sent should not be encouraging patients to respond. If a patient does respond, they will receive your default "unclear response" message.

  • Note: You will not be notified if a patient responds to a direct patient message. The appointment status on the appointment dashboard will be updated to 'Unclear'.

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How to send a direct patient message

Step 1

Log in to the Mikata application and go to “Appointments” on the left side of the dashboard.

Step 2

To find a patient, enter their Personal Healthcare Number (PHN), name, or phone number/email in the search bar.

It is recommended to use the patient's PHN as different patients may have the same first and last name.

**IMPORTANT**

Mikata is able to search appointments as far back as when your account was activated and 10 years into the future.

Step 3

Once you've found the patient, click on the document icon on the right side of the page. This will take you to the appointment details for that patient.

Step 4

Click on the "Message Patient" button next to patient details.

Step 5

You can choose between sending a secure or basic message to the patient.

Secure Messages: Use this option when sending any personal health information to the patient. These messages are locked and require the patient to enter their Personal Health Number (PHN) to access the information. The message will expire after 8 days. In a secure message, you can select a template, write a message, attach chats (e.g., preps and forms), and upload attachments (e.g., prescriptions, requisitions, and results).

**IMPORTANT**

To use secure messaging, the patient must have a PHN, and the clinic must have this number on file to add it to the message. Mikata will not let you send a secure message without a PHN.

Basic Messages: Use this option for sending general information to the patient (e.g., clinic announcements, appointment cancellations). These messages do not need to be unlocked and do not expire. In a basic message, you can select a template, write a message, and attach chats (e.g., preps, forms). The character limit for basic messages is 160 characters.

Step 6

When you have finished writing your message, click the "Send Message" button located in the bottom right corner.