Reminder message on the day of the procedure
On the day of the appointment, the reminder does three things: it reduces lateness, gives reassurance and opens one last chance for the patient to report something that changed. It should be short. Someone who wakes up to a long, technical message does not read it.
The messages below are starting points. Adapt them to the procedure and your clinic's guidance, and use them together with the 48-hour reminder.
Ready-made messages
What to do if the patient reports a change in health?
| Patient's report | General approach |
|---|---|
| Fever or active infection | Assess and, at the professional's discretion, reschedule |
| Sore or cold sore at the site | Assess; usually requires rescheduling |
| New medication | Record it and assess interaction with the procedure |
| Suspected pregnancy | Assess according to the procedure and applicable rules |
| Intense anxiety | Talk beforehand; offer time |
Every report should go in the chart. See the medical history, which should be updated at every visit, and the medical history form template.
How to help someone who feels unsure?
A calm patient cooperates better. Welcome them calmly, explain what will happen, warn about common sensations and agree on a signal to pause. The topic of swelling and bruising should have been explained beforehand, and the patient should know that some marks may appear in the first days. For the message after the procedure, use the 7-day follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
What should I send on the day of the procedure?
A short message with the time, address, final arrival instructions and a request to report any change in health. It is the last reminder, not a new lesson.
What time should I send the day-of reminder?
On the morning of the appointment or a few hours before, so the patient has time to get organized and to report anything unexpected.
Does the patient need to eat before the procedure?
Fasting is generally not required for facial injectable procedures, and arriving fed can help with comfort. Confirm with your protocol and advise according to the case.
What if the patient says they are sick that day?
Assess it. Fever, an active infection or a sore at the treatment site usually lead to rescheduling, at the professional's discretion. Record the decision in the chart.