Communications settings
Configure SMS provider, email sender, channels, and reminder defaults.
Overview
Without communications config, the platform can't send anything. This page is where you wire up the SMS provider, the email sender, and the default channels for various event types.
Prerequisites
- Owner or Admin role
- Credentials/keys for the SMS provider you'll use
- A verified email sender domain
Steps
Open Communications. Settings → Communications.
Add an SMS provider. + New provider → pick from supported list (Termii, Africa's Talking, Twilio for international). Enter API key and any required config.
Test the provider. Test send to your phone. Verify delivery within 30 seconds.
Set as default. Multiple providers OK; one is default for outbound traffic.
Configure email. Verify your sending domain. Add SPF, DKIM, DMARC DNS records (the page shows the exact records to add).
Set channel defaults. For each event type (appointment reminder, birthday, recall), pick which channels to use.
Set lead times. When reminders fire — 7 days, 24 hours, 1 hour for appointments; on-the-day for birthdays.
Set quiet hours for outbound. No SMS to patients between e.g. 21:00–07:00 to respect their quiet time.
Expected outcome
- SMS and email provider configured and tested
- Default channels per event type set
- Lead times control when messages send
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Test SMS doesn't arrive | API key wrong | Re-enter; check provider dashboard for failures |
| Email goes to spam | SPF/DKIM not verified | Add DNS records; verify in Settings |
| Reminders never send | Provider not default | Set default; without default, no outbound |
| Quiet hours not respected for some messages | High-priority always send | Some messages override quiet (e.g. urgent recall) |
| Want a custom provider | Not in supported list | API access enables custom integrations |