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Triggers Setup Guide

Automate patient tasks, emails, and texts using ChiroHD's powerful trigger functionality.

Updated over a week ago

📝 Overview

Triggers in ChiroHD are a powerful automation feature that allows your office to streamline workflows by automatically executing specific actions based on appointment statuses or patient tag changes. While still in beta, triggers currently support the following three functions:

  • Add a Task List Template to a patient profile

  • Send an Email Template to the patient

  • Send a Text Message to the patient

These actions can happen individually or be combined in a single trigger.


Accessing Triggers

Navigate to:
System Dashboard → System Settings → Triggers

Triggers are only available at the system level and cannot pull from location-level task or email templates.


Trigger Functionality & Current Limitations

Triggers can execute when:

  • An appointment status is changed

  • A patient tag is added manually

Current Limitations (Beta Status):

  • Triggers cannot detect appointment counts (e.g., “12th visit”)

  • No dynamic connection to specific paperwork types (e.g., pediatric vs. pregnancy)


Creating a Trigger Based on Appointment Status

Example: New Patient Scheduled

  1. Name your trigger (e.g., “New Patient Scheduled”)

  2. Select Appointment Type (e.g., New Patient)

  3. Choose Appointment Status (Scheduled, Arrived, Treated, etc.)

  4. Set Minutes After (e.g., 0 = immediate, but may take up to 5 minutes to run)

  5. Choose one or more of the following:

    • Add a Task List Template

    • Send an Email Template

    • Enter a Text Message

You can mix and match the 3 actions above—use one, two, or all three per trigger.


Creating a Trigger Based on Patient Tag

Example: Pregnancy Tag

  • Choose Trigger Type: Patient Tag

  • When the “Pregnancy” tag is manually added to a patient's profile:

    • Send a related Email Template

    • Send a specific Text Message

Tag-based triggers are manual—you must apply the tag to initiate the trigger.


Text Message Setup in Triggers

Text message content can be:

  • A custom typed message

  • Contain macros for personalization (e.g., patient name, appointment date)

To find available macros:

  1. Go to:
    Location Settings → Office → Office Configuration → Scheduled Reminders

  2. Click “Add Text Schedule” or “Preview”

  3. Copy macros exactly as shown—do not alter spacing or brackets

You can also access these from:
Calendar Screen → Text Reminder → Preview


Including Intake Links in Texts

To add your intake form link:

  1. Go to:
    Location → Utilities → Intake Link

  2. Click “Copy” to get your intake landing page link

  3. Paste into your trigger’s text message field using the intake link macro if available

Useful for encouraging patients to fill out paperwork before their appointment.


HIPAA Compliance Reminder

📢 Always ensure your text message content is HIPAA-compliant—avoid including sensitive health or personal data.


Example Use Case: Multi-Action Trigger

Trigger: New Patient Appointment Scheduled

  • Upload new patient task list

  • Send new patient welcome email

  • Text patient with intake paperwork link

All actions happen within minutes of the appointment being created—saving staff time and ensuring consistency.


✅ Key Takeaways

  • Triggers automate: task uploads, email sends, and text messages

  • Triggers are initiated by either an appointment status change or patient tag

  • Use system-level templates only—location-level templates are not supported

  • Keep texts HIPAA-compliant and use macros correctly (copy-paste without edits)

  • Combine tasks, emails, and texts into one seamless workflow

  • Intake links and macros can be added to enhance your automation

  • Updates are in progress to make triggers more robust and feature-rich


📌 Conclusion

Triggers in ChiroHD offer a simple yet powerful way to streamline your practice's workflow through automation. By harnessing triggers, you reduce repetitive administrative tasks, improve patient communication, and enhance operational efficiency. With future updates on the horizon, triggers are poised to become even more impactful for your office’s daily operations.

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