SMS Campaigns & Messaging

EaseLab integrates patient notifications through SMS, with campaign history, delivery logging, and quick-send shortcuts from the invoice workflow.

Screen	Route	Permission
SMS Campaign / Log	`/admin/sms-campaign`	`sms_log`
Messaging Test	`/admin/messaging-test`	`quick.send_sms`

Messaging architecture

mermaid

flowchart TB
    subgraph Triggers
        INV[Invoice events]
        RES[Results ready]
        CAM[Campaign batch]
        MAN[Manual quick send]
    end
    subgraph EaseLab
        MSG[Messaging service]
        LOG[SMS log]
    end
    subgraph Gateway
        SMS[SMS provider API]
    end
    INV --> MSG
    RES --> MSG
    CAM --> MSG
    MAN --> MSG
    MSG --> SMS
    MSG --> LOG

SMS log and campaigns

The SMS Log module (sms_log) provides:

Capability	Description
Delivery history	Per-message status and timestamp
Campaign batches	Marketing or reminder blasts
Recipient filters	Patients, referral groups, date ranges
Template preview	Variable substitution before send
Failure reasons	Gateway errors for retry

Campaign workflow

Configure SMS gateway in Lab Settings (settings.edit).
Open Admin → SMS Campaign.
Compose message with placeholders ({patientName}, {reportLink}, etc.).
Select audience — verify consent and local regulations.
Schedule or send immediately.
Review delivery report in SMS log.

Regulatory compliance

Obtain patient consent for marketing SMS. Transactional messages (results ready, appointment reminders) typically require opt-out support per local telecom rules.

Quick Access messaging permissions

High-frequency actions from invoice and results screens:

Code	Channel
`quick.send_sms`	SMS
`quick.send_whatsapp`	WhatsApp (when configured)
`quick.send_email`	Email

Grant only to reception and authorized clinicians. Technicians may need quick.send_sms for critical value callbacks — define policy explicitly.

mermaid

sequenceDiagram
    participant Reception
    participant EaseLab
    participant Patient
    Reception->>EaseLab: Results verified
    Reception->>EaseLab: Quick send SMS
    EaseLab->>Patient: Report ready + link
    EaseLab->>EaseLab: Log to sms_log

Messaging test screen

Before go-live, use Messaging Test (/admin/messaging-test):

Requires quick.send_sms.
Send to a staff mobile number.
Confirm delivery and sender ID.
Adjust gateway credentials if failed.

Sender ID registration

Many countries require pre-registered alphanumeric sender IDs. Complete provider paperwork before marketing campaigns.

Message templates

Recommended templates:

Event	Template elements
Report ready	Lab name, patient name, public lookup URL
Invoice receipt	Amount paid, balance due
Home collection	Phlebotomist ETA, preparation instructions
Payment reminder	Due amount, payment link

Store templates in lab settings for consistency across staff.

Integration with CRM and referrals

CRM wins may trigger welcome SMS batches
Referral doctors can receive weekly volume summaries (manual export + campaign)
Link campaign UTM parameters on public URLs for attribution

Permissions summary

Task	Permission
View SMS history	`sms_log.view`
Create campaign	`sms_log.create`
Edit draft campaign	`sms_log.edit`
Delete campaign draft	`sms_log.delete`
Send from invoice	`quick.send_sms`

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Check
All sends fail	Gateway API key, credit balance
Intermittent failures	Provider rate limits
Wrong patient name	Template variable mapping
403 on send	Read-only mode or missing quick permission
Messages not logged	`sms_log.view` for viewer account

Cost management

Practice	Benefit
Batch non-urgent reminders	Lower per-message cost
Validate phone on registration	Reduces failed sends
Use email for lengthy content	SMS segment charges

SMS Campaigns & Messaging ​

Messaging architecture ​

SMS log and campaigns ​

Campaign workflow ​

Quick Access messaging permissions ​

Messaging test screen ​

Message templates ​

Integration with CRM and referrals ​

Permissions summary ​

Troubleshooting ​

Cost management ​

Related documentation ​