Denver Health to expand text messaging program

Editor's Note

Denver Health was awarded a nearly $232,000 federal grant to expand its text messaging program, the October 13 Denver Post reports.

The system will use the grant to link text messages directly to patients’ electronic health records so physicians can see patients’ texts on their medical charts.

Denver Health has texted 250,000 appointment reminders and 2,000 well child check reminders in the past 3 years. Patients who got texts, made it to their appointments 73% of the time, compared to 66% for those who did not receive texts.

Denver Health sent 250,000 appointment reminders and 2,000 well child check reminders to patients via text message over the past three years. Patients who got texts made it to their appointments 73 percent of the time, compared to a 66 percent attendance rate for those who didn't, the historic safety-net hospital and community healthcare provider said.