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Wow, a little tinkering and I found out how to get texted whenever someone makes an appointment via a web form or designated email address.  This can come in handy if you are running a low overhead practice and have minimal staff to answer the phones.  You can be at Starbucks around the corner of your office during a lull in your schedule, and get texted if someone books an appointment.

(Note:  this method works if you have a domain-based email address where you have a hosting account; for example, drsmith@mainstreetchiro.com) and use an email client like MS Outlook where you have total control.)

Here’s what you do.  Let’s say your chiropractic website domain is mainstreetchiro.com.

1.  Create an email account “appointments@mainstreetchiro.com.”  You’ll do this through your web hosting panel.  Set it up in your Outlook.  Send a test message to it and from it to make sure it works.

2.  Next, you’ll need to have online scheduling capability, or have an online form whose URL you give to your patients.  You can get a form builder like Freedback.com, which is a dummy-proof web-based form builder that you can customize yourself (name, date, appointment time and date, etc.).  You set the form to send all form data submissions to appointments@mainstreetchiro.com.

Alternatively, you can use Genbook’s online scheduling service (FREE!).  When you enter your clinic settings in Genbook, set it so that all notifications go appointments@mainstreetchiro.com.

3.  Find out from your cell phone carrier your cell phone email address.  The format is different based on the carrier.  For example, Verizon cell phones have emails in the form (your cell phone#)@vtext.com.

4.  Go back to your web hosting admin panel.  There should be an icon labeled “forwarding” or “email forwarding.”  Click it, and find appointments@mainstreetchiro.com.  Set this email to forward to your cell phone email.  Now, whenever your online appointment forms send form submission data to your email, you will be texted the info as well!  Make sure to set your text tone loud so you don’t miss any appointments.

Now, don’t you feel like a techie now?

Of course, you can also instruct your patients to send appointment requests by emailing you at appointments@mainstreetchiro.com.  It’s not a good way to have new patients contact you for an appointment, though; use a form.

The  above technique follows the Guerilla Chiropractic principles of using technology to lower your overhead, and it’s a good one.

Dr. Dan