About UCSF Health Text Messaging

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s changing with UCSF Health text messaging?

  UCSF Health is enhancing our text messaging services so we can better serve your healthcare communication needs. Text messaging keeps you connected to important information about your care such as upcoming appointments, care management, test results, prescription reminders, billing, and more.

• What do I need to do to receive text messages from UCSF Health?

  There are two ways you can opt-in to UCSF Health text messages. The easiest way to begin or continue receiving text messages from UCSF Health is to text "START" to 48432 to opt-in.

  You can also opt-in to receive text messages through MyChart. Get started by following these easy step-by-step instructions.

  1. From the MyChart Menu, navigate to Account Settings > Communication Preferences.
  2. Click the Subscribe button under the Text Message section.
  3. Review the Manage Text Subscriptions section and approve Terms and Conditions.
  4. Make sure the Text Message toggle is switched on.

• How can I update/verify my communications preferences in MyChart?

  1. From the MyChart Menu, navigate to Account Settings > Communication Preferences.
  2. In the General section, verify notifications from UCSF Health are toggled on for your preferred method(s) of contact. (Email, Text, Phone or Mail)
  3. To see which notifications will be sent through a specific contact method, expand the communication type(s) grouped under the Details section.
     For example: Appointments, Messages, Health and Billing are each their own communication type. You can decide which method of contact you prefer for each communication method within a grouped communication type.
  4. Within the expanded communication type, select Advanced settings to review and update how you receive specific notifications in each section
     For example: Within the expanded Appointments communication type, you can choose to receive After Visit Summaries by either email, text, or both. You can also choose to receive Appointment Confirmations via email, text, phone, or all three. If you only want to receive a certain communication via one communication method, make sure your preferred method is the only one toggled on.
  5. When finished with your preferences, select Save Changes.

• What if I no longer want to receive texts from UCSF Health?

  To opt-out of recurring automated messages from UCSF Health, text "STOP" to 48432 at any time.

  Or, manage opt-out status via your Communication Preferences within your MyChart account.

  1. From the MyChart Menu, navigate to Account Settings > Communication Preferences.
  2. Select Manage Text subscription.
  3. On the Message Text subscription page, turn off Toggle.

  Please note that texting STOP will stop ALL text messages from UCSF Health. If you would like to continue receiving certain types of text messages from us, please update your Communication Preferences in MyChart.

• Will UCSF Health’s text messaging cost me anything?

  UCSF Health's text messaging is a free service, except for any possible text messaging charges associated with your cell phone carrier and service plan. Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

• How do I get a MyChart account if I don't have one?

  Signing up is easy. Visit ucsfhealth.org/mychart to register, for FAQs, and more.