SMS vs. email campaigns

SMS vs. Email Campaigns

ClinicReach supports SMS (text message), email, and automated voice as outreach channels. Choosing the right channel improves delivery rates and patient response.

SMS

Best for: Appointment reminders, same-day recall, urgent notifications.

SMS messages have significantly higher open rates than email for time-sensitive communications. Messages are limited to 160 characters per segment; ClinicReach automatically splits longer messages into linked segments.

Requirements:

• A verified 10-digit long code (10DLC) or short code registered with your carrier.
• Patient consent to receive SMS (collected at point of care or via opt-in workflow).
• Opt-out keyword support (STOP, QUIT) is mandatory and handled automatically.

Email

Best for: Health education content, detailed instructions, survey links, billing notices.

Email supports rich formatting, images, and longer content. ClinicReach uses a dedicated sending domain with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured during onboarding to maximize deliverability.

Combining channels

For critical campaigns (e.g., annual wellness recall), use a multi-step sequence: send an email first, then follow up with SMS three days later for patients who have not responded. Set this up under Campaigns > Sequences.

Choosing a channel