UTHealth Houston Text Messaging

En Español

As a UTHealth Houston or UT Physicians patient, you may receive text messages and updates related to your visits, patient portal, one-time passcodes, billing notifications, and care management. Message and data rates may apply, and frequency may vary.

Text Messaging Options

Via Text Message

  1. Text START to 38184. Message and data rates may apply, and frequency may vary. For assistance, text HELP. To opt out of these notifications, text STOP. Review the terms and conditions.
    1. If you’re unsure that your updated mobile number is in your patient record, please speak with a member of our health care team.
 

Via MyUTHealth Houston Patient Portal

  1. In your MyUTHealth Houston patient portal, from the Menu navigate to Account Settings > Communication Preferences.
  2. Click on Opt in under the General section. You will now see Text Message listed in your contact settings, and it will be automatically toggled on.
  3. When you’re done, click Save changes.
 

Via Scheduled Visit

You can speak with a member of our health care team at your next office visit to assist you with signing up for text messaging. A mobile number is required to enroll in text messaging.

MyUTHealth Houston Patient Portal

In your MyUTHealth Houston patient portal, from the Menu navigate to Account Settings > Communication Preferences.
  1. In the General section, verify notifications are toggled on for your preferred method(s) of contact (email, text, phone, or mail).
  2. To review which notifications will be delivered via a specific method of contact, expand the communication type(s) grouped under the Details section of this screen.
    1. For example: Appointments, Messages, Health, and Billing are their own communication type. You can decide which method of contact is used for each communication scenario within a grouped communication type.
  3. Within the communication type expanded, select Advanced settings to review and update how you receive specific notifications within the grouped concept type.
  4. When finished with your preferences, select Save changes.

At your next office visit

You can speak with a member of our health care team at your next office visit to assist updating your communications preferences.

Via Text Message

Text STOP to 38184 ​​to cease all automated text messages from UTHealth Houston and UT Physicians.

Via MyUTHealth Houston Patient Portal

  1. In your MyUTHealth Houston patient portal, from the Menu navigate to Account Settings > Communication Preferences.
  2. Click on Opt out under the General section.
  3. A warning message will appear asking you to confirm you’d like to opt out. Select Opt out.
  4. When you’re done, click Save changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can update your phone number when you check in with a member of the health care team at your next appointment, or through your MyUTHealth Houston patient portal.

  1. In your MyUTHealth Houston patient portal account, select Menu and navigate to Account Settings > Personal Information.
  2. In the Contact Information section, select Edit to modify your contact information.
  3. When you’re done, click Save changes.

UTHealth Houston and UT Physicians do not charge for text messaging. However, you may experience charges associated with your cell phone carrier and service plan. Standard text messaging rates will apply.

Yes. Text messages will not replace email or phone call reminders. The text messages will serve as an additional reminder if you still need to confirm your appointment. If you would like to reduce the amount of communication you receive, you can update your preferences in your MyUTHealth Houston patient portal.

Yes, it is a secure service, and your patient health information is protected.

Yes, currently we offer English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese.

No, you would need access to the MyUTHealth Houston patient portal to view test results. You would need to log in at MyUTHealthHouston.org or through the mobile app to view your test results.

No, you cannot schedule new appointments, but you may be invited to secure an earlier opportunity for an appointment if one becomes available and it works for your schedule.

Please call the patient portal support team at (855) 316-4256 or email [email protected] for assistance so the team can verify your cell number on the medical record.

Yes, you will receive appointment reminders through this service.

Simply text the word START to 38184 again.

You can call the patient portal support team at (855) 316-4256, or if you have a patient portal account with us, you can log in and update your phone number under personal information.

You can log in to your patient portal account at MyUTHealthHouston.org. Under Communication Preferences, you can update if you want to receive reminders via text, email, or both.