John,
An extra $60 per month is the cost of the secure texting. The secure text conversation expires after 48 hours so I am instructing my patients that if they want to save an attachment like an xray or office summary to take a screen shot. I have asked Updox why the secure text conversation expires after 48 hours and will give an update once I hear the rationale why.
Still getting the "feel" of how the secure texting works, maybe it is because it is another new way to connect directly with my nurse, but I think it has to do more with when a text is sent the phone alerts the patient, and there seems to be a quicker response back from the secure text than compared to the portal. Also it is definitely easier to text us than to portal us from the feedback I am getting from patients.
I still have my nurse call the day before the appt for a reminder, but as we transition more patients into texting that may change to a text with a form letter to let us know when they get the message and if they plan on coming to the appt.
