Text Messaging for Patients

If you were already receiving texts from Brown University Health prior to December 17, 2024, you will be automatically opted in to our new communication platform, Hello World, starting December 19, 2024.

If you happened to opt in to texts on December 18, 2024, you would need to opt in to Hello World on December 19, 2024, or later, to receive SMS text messages from Brown University Health.

Enroll by Texting START to 40257

To sign up for important text messages including appointment reminders, billing updates, care management support, and MyChart account information, text START to  40257. Message and data rates may apply, and frequency may vary.

How to Change Communication Preferences

You can also update your communication preferences in your MyChart account:

1. Select Communications Preferences from the main menu.
2. Select text message for the types of communications you would like to receive. Make sure the toggle button is selected to green for text message
3. Click the green Subscribe button to go to the Manage Text Subscriptions page. 
4. Confirm the mobile number displayed is correct
5. Click the toggle button to green to turn on text messages for account, patient, and visit updates.

Opt Out by Texting STOP to 40257

Brown University Health patients can easily opt out of receiving text messages any time by texting STOP to 40257. All text messages contain instructions on how to opt out.

You can also change your communication preferences at any time by logging into your MyChart account, selecting Communications Preferences from the main menu, and turning off the text message option.

Opt in Again by Texting START to 40257

You can opt in again by texting START to 40257 or by changing your communication preferences to subscribe to text messages again in MyChart.

Confirmation of an Initial Appointment

You will receive an appointment confirmation text message before your appointment if it has not already been confirmed. Patients should review the date and time of each appointment and use the prompts provided in the message to either confirm, reschedule, or cancel the appointment.

Offering of an Alternate Appointment

If you are seeking an alternate appointment time and have been put on the waitlist by a Brown University Health team member, you may receive additional text messages offering a different appointment time and/or date. By using the prompts provided in the text message, you can either accept (reschedule) or decline the new appointment. If you choose to reschedule, the new appointment slot will replace your previously scheduled appointment. If you decline the new appointment offer, you will continue to remain on the waitlist until you complete your appointment or are removed from the waitlist.
 

If you do not respond to the appointment confirmation text message, your appointment will remain scheduled but you may get a phone call from your provider to confirm.

You can update your phone number at your Brown University Health front desk during the check-in process for any appointment or by updating your contact information in your MyChart account (go to Personal Information from the main menu).

Texting with Brown University Health will not cost you anything, except for any possible text messaging charges associated with your cell phone carrier and service plan. Standard text messaging rates will apply.

Yes. Text messages will not replace phone call reminders if you have them selected in your communication preferences in MyChart. The text messages will serve as an additional reminder if you have not already confirmed your appointment.

Unfortunately, we cannot text numbers outside the U.S. This includes phone numbers related to Skype or other international carriers.