Sending Automated Pre- and Post-Visit Messages with PatientPulse

Akute’s PatientPulse Cohorts and Automations allow you to automatically send messages to patients before or after visits based on appointment data in the chart. This is commonly used for post-visit surveys, reminders, or other instructions.

This article walks through how to send an automated post-visit message to patients who completed a specific appointment type.

Step 1: Create a Patient Cohort

Cohorts let you dynamically group patients based on criteria you define.

  1. Navigate to Patient Pulse > Cohorts

    Click Create Cohort

    Choose the Appointments resource

    Select the appointment attribute you want to filter by, such as:

    • Appointment Type
    • Last Appointment Date (Days)
    • Next Appointment Date (Days)

Example configuration

  • Appointment Type is Physical Exam
  • Last Appointment is exactly 1 day ago

These values are just examples. You can change the operator (contains, greater than, within range) and timing to match your needs.

  1. Save the cohort
  2. (Optional) Use Preview Cohort to confirm the correct patients are included

Cohorts are dynamic, meaning patients automatically enter and exit the group as they meet or no longer meet the criteria.

Step 2: Create a Message Template

Next, create the message that will be sent to patients.

  1. Go to Patient Pulse > Message Templates

    Click Create Message Template

    Add:

    • A title (internal use)
    • A patient-facing subject line and message body
  2. Use personalization tokens if desired (for example, patient first name)
  3. Include links if needed, such as a survey or form
  4. Save the template

This template can be reused across multiple automations.

Step 3: Create an Automation

Automations connect your cohort with your message template and define when and how messages are sent.

  1. Navigate to Patient Pulse > Automations
  2. Click Create Automation
  3. Select:
    • The cohort you created
    • The message template to send
  4. Choose:
    • Start date and time
    • Whether the automation runs once or repeats
    • Recurrence frequency (for example, daily)
  5. Select the delivery method:
    • SMS
    • Email
  6. Save the automation

Example

  • Sends daily at 4:00 PM
  • Goes to patients whose qualifying appointment occurred one day ago

These settings are fully customizable. You can adjust timing, frequency, and delivery method at any time.

Previewing Your Automation

Before sending messages:

  • Click Run Automation Now

    Select Preview

    Review:

    • Which patients will receive the message
    • The exact message content
    • The delivery method

Previewing does not send the message unless you confirm.

Common Use Cases

  • Post-visit surveys
  • Pre-visit reminders
  • Generalized follow-up instructions
  • Form completion reminders
  • Educational messages based on appointment type

Need Help?

If you have questions about cohorts, automations, or message setup, contact support at support@akutehealth.com.

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