Audio messages and dictation in Spruce let providers and patients record and send voice recordings inside any conversation: secure app-based messaging, 2-way SMS texting, secure team chat, or internal notes. Audio messages convey tone and nuance that written text cannot, and speed up clinical documentation. The feature is available across web browser, mobile, and desktop apps. Providers on the Communicator plan can also transcribe and summarize audio messages using AI-enabled call recording and audio notes transcription.
IN THIS ARTICLE
How to Record and Send Audio Messages
Audio messages are useful for conveying tone and nuance that can be lost in written communication, saving time writing long messages, and speeding up internal documentation.
Both providers and patients can send and record audio messages via Spruce. Patients with a Spruce account can record and send audio messages via secure messages. They can also use the native audio message feature on their mobile device to send an audio message via SMS.
Follow these steps to record and send an audio message on the web version of Spruce:
- Select the conversation you wish to send the audio message in. For providers, this can be an internal team chat, a secure message, or a standard SMS text message.
- Once you select the conversation, click the microphone icon underneath the compose bar.
- If needed, allow microphone access on your browser. Depending on your browser, the steps may vary. Learn more about troubleshooting audio issues on your browser.
- Select the red microphone button to start your recording. Once you are done, select the red stop button.
- You can use the play button to listen back to your recording, select the download button to download the audio file, or select the red arrow button to re-record your message.
- Once you are done, select the Use button to add your audio message. You can then type a supplemental message or add additional attachments. Providers can select the toggle at the top to switch between an internal note and an external message (this is not available for patients).
- Click the Send button once you are ready to send your message.
Follow these steps to record and send an audio message on the mobile apps:
- Select the conversation you wish to send the audio message in. For providers, this can be an internal team chat, a secure message, or a standard SMS text message.
- Once you select the conversation, click the plus icon underneath the compose bar, then select the Audio attachment.
- Select the red microphone button to start your recording. If needed, you'll be asked to allow microphone access on your phone. Depending on your phone, the exact steps may vary. Once you are done, select the red stop button.
- You can use the play button to listen back to your recording or the X icon to delete your recording if you need to re-record your message.
- Once you are done, you can then type a supplemental message or add additional attachments. Providers can select the toggle at the top to switch between an internal note and an external message (this is not available for patients).
- Click the send arrow once you are ready to send your message.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send a voice message in Spruce?
Open a conversation, tap the microphone icon (web) or the plus icon and select Audio (mobile), record your message, then send. Audio messages work in secure app-based messaging, 2-way SMS texting, secure team chat, and internal notes.
Can Spruce patients send audio messages to their provider?
Yes. Patients with a Spruce account can record and send audio messages over secure app-based messaging. Patients without a Spruce account can use their phone's native audio messaging feature to send audio over standard SMS.
Can I transcribe an audio message in Spruce?
Yes. Providers on the Communicator plan can transcribe and summarize audio messages using AI-enabled call recording and audio notes transcription.