Activity Reminders in Spruce are email or SMS alerts sent to teammates or patients when messages go unread. They reduce missed messages by ensuring follow-up happens within a time window the practice defines. Reminders are off by default for teammates and on by default for patients (5-minute and 60-minute reminder cadence). Both notification method (email, SMS, or both) and timing can be customized per organization or per user by contacting Spruce support.
IN THIS ARTICLE
For Providers / Staff
By default, activity reminders are turned off for all teammates.
Customizable Options
Activity reminders can be enabled at the organization level or for an individual teammate. Customizations include:
Notification method: Email, SMS, or both
Timing: Set how long a message must remain unread before a reminder is sent
To request changes to teammate reminder settings, please reach out to our support team.
For Patients
By default, patients using the Spruce app will receive activity reminders via email under the following conditions:
If a message goes unread for 5 minutes, a reminder is sent
If still unread, a second reminder is sent after 60 minutes
Customizable Options
If a patient prefers a different configuration, reminders can be adjusted in the following ways:
Notification method: Email, SMS, or both
Timing: Set how long a message must remain unread before a reminder is sent
To request changes to patient reminder settings, please reach out to our support team.
What Do the Reminders Look Like?
Email Reminders
Sender: noreply@sprucehealth.com
Example:
SMS Reminders
Sender: (415)-275-6421
Example:
Important: Reminder emails / SMS messages cannot be customized. They are intentionally generic to protect patient privacy and avoid sharing any Protected Health Information (PHI). This means practice names, phone numbers, or email addresses are never included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn on activity reminders for my team?
Activity reminders are off by default for teammates. To enable them at the organization level or for an individual user, message Spruce support via the Team Spruce conversation with your preferred timing and notification method (email, SMS, or both).
Do Spruce patients get reminded when they don't read a message?
Yes. By default, patients using the Spruce app receive an email reminder after a message is unread for 5 minutes, and a second reminder if it is still unread after 60 minutes.
Can I customize the wording of a Spruce activity reminder?
No. Reminder emails and SMS are intentionally generic, with no practice name, phone number, email, or message content included, to protect patient privacy and avoid sharing Protected Health Information (PHI).