Minimise your no-shows by using SMS messages

Spryng is the market leader in the Benelux and Germany.

Sending appointment reminders via SMS helps reduce no-shows by ensuring that clients remember their appointments. Appointment reminders can also be sent via email or other channels to confirm the date and time, reducing the likelihood of missed appointments. They improve attendance rates as clients and patients have the option to reschedule if needed, allowing ‘missed’ appointments to be rebooked. SMS appointment reminders are the most effective method, as SMS messages have an average open rate of around 98%. This prevents reminders from being overlooked in a crowded inbox. Spryng’s SMS Service is often integrated with scheduling and roster systems, healthcare portals, EHRs, and CRM systems through our SMS API.

An SMS appointment reminder is more effective than email because SMS messages have a much higher open rate. The vast majority of SMS messages are read (up to 98%), often within minutes. Additionally, no internet connection is needed to receive an SMS, making it faster and more personal than email, which can end up in spam. An email has an average open rate of about 25%, compared to 98% for an SMS. Research has also shown that using SMS has reduced no-shows in the Dutch healthcare system by as much as 70%. This translates to savings of millions of euros. The high attention value is partly because SMS is a relatively underused channel. It stands out when you receive an SMS, which explains the high open rate!

Yes, you can combine email and SMS for appointment reminders. This approach ensures that reminders are received through multiple channels, increasing the likelihood that appointments are remembered. Email can be used to send appointment reminders well in advance, helping clients recall the details of their appointments. SMS can be sent just before the appointment itself. Combining different channels is always recommended, but SMS appointment reminders should definitely be included in the communication mix. By integrating Spryng’s SMS API with the software system currently used for appointment reminders, SMS and email reminders can alternate with varying timings leading up to an appointment. Spryng can advise organizations on best practices in this area.