Messages
Chart Messages opens the same Messages inbox filtered to this patient so you can message about their care without leaving the chart. Full Inbox, Archive, Closed, attachments, and who-can-message rules are also covered in the main Messages help section.
What Chart Messages Is For
Secure staff↔patient (and related) messaging scoped to this patient’s account. It is the Messages product filtered to one patient—not a separate chat system, not Clinical Notes, and not Call Logs.
Where and When to Use It
Open chart → Messages when coordinating with the patient or care team about this chart. Use the main Messages menu when you need all threads across patients.
How It Works
You see threads for this patient. Compose, reply, archive, close, or attach files according to Messages permissions. Inbox vs Archive vs Closed rules still apply: archived or closed threads may need Move to Inbox or Reopen before you can reply.
How to Send or Update Messages
Compose a new message or open a thread → Reply. Choose recipients and subject, write the body, attach files if Send Files is allowed, then send. To stop working a thread, Archive or Close when permitted. Delete only when your role allows.
What Must Be True
You need Messages view (and send/reply permissions for those actions). The patient usually needs a linked portal/user account. If the pane stays empty or waits for a user, create or link portal access first. Staff cannot message other patients as if they were patients; Super Admin accounts are typically not offered as recipients.
Common Issues
Empty Messages: patient has no linked user. Cannot reply: thread archived/closed or missing Reply permission. Attachment fails: file too large or missing Send Files. Confused with Chats floating widget: different product—see Messages help.