Messaging & Preferences

Whether you want to receive text messages or email reminders for your appointments or communicate with your provider, you can manage it all in Avera MyChart.

Messaging Your Provider

Managing Communication Preferences in MyChart

Manage how MyChart communicates with you, from getting appointment reminders, to seeing notifications about a message from your provider or test results, to receiving alerts when a new bill is available.

If you’re opted into messaging, by default, some message types are set to send to you by email or text message, but you can change that anytime in MyChart. For example, billing notices are set to send by email, but if you want to opt into billing text messages instead, you can make that adjustment.

Please know that even if you set your preferences, some types of required communications may still be sent by mail.

How to Change Communications Settings

Go to Communications Preferences in Avera MyChart. (You'll need to log in.)
- If you're already logged in and want to navigate there, go to the top left menu icon to scroll and select Communication Preferences.
In the search box, type Communication Preferences and select that option.
Edit your communication preferences as you wish to receive communications by text, email, push notification from the app, phone or mail. You can choose to receive everything via a certain channel or customize it by topic. Options vary by topic.
Select Save Changes.

Can I set which messages I want to receive by text from Avera?

Yes, you can choose how you receive different types of messages within MyChart. You can select you want to receive all your communications via email, for example, or customize how you receive each type of message, such as appointment messaging or billing communications.

Note: Some required communications may still be sent by mail even if you set your preferences.

How do I stop receiving text messages?

To turn off all text messaging from MyChart, use the steps above to get to your messaging preferences. Then, under General, use the toggle to turn off all text messaging. To customize what text messages you want to receive, select each option under Details and use the toggle to turn text messaging on or off.

You can also reply Stop in your messages on your phone to opt out of text messages.

Note: This will turn off all text messaging from Avera, including appointment reminders and other important communications. See more details in our text messaging terms and conditions.
We recommend you customize your messaging preferences by type of message instead.

Messaging Your Provider in MyChart

If you need to send a message to your provider about non-urgent questions or concerns, use your MyChart portal — either online or in the app. Some messages and questions you could send include:

Ask a follow-up question about a recent visit.
Clarify how or when to take a new prescription.
Report a minor condition and ask whether you should schedule an in-person visit or e-visit.
Ask about prescription refills or a referral. (If you use Avera Pharmacy, you may be able to refill prescriptions in the Pharmacy section of MyChart.)

Use messaging in Avera MyChart when:

Your condition isn’t urgent, and you can wait a day or two for a reply.
You can describe the problem in one or two sentences.

If you need an immediate answer to a question that can’t wait at least 24 hours, or it’s a more complex question, call your provider instead.

For emergencies, dial 911. For psychiatric emergencies, call or text 988.

How to Message Your Care Team in MyChart

Go to the Messages section in Avera MyChart.
- If you’re already logged in and want to navigate to Insurance, select Messages on the home screen tile. You can also go top left menu icon to scroll and select Messages.
Choose Send a Message.
Select the option that meets your needs and follow the prompts to send your message to your care team.

You can expect a response within two business days. Providers and staff review messages during weekday business hours.

Messaging About Prescriptions

You can use MyChart messaging about your current prescriptions, including if you need a refill. After selecting Messages and then Send a Message, choose Refill a medication from the list of options. This will take you to your Medications list in MyChart. If the medication isn't available for a refill, message your care team or call your provider for next steps.

See more about managing prescriptions in MyChart