Frequently Asked Questions

Texting FAQs

How do I sign up to receive texts from Altru?

To sign up for important text messages including appointment reminders, billing updates, care management support, and MyChart account information, text START to 26042. Message and data rates may apply, and frequency may vary.

You can also update your communication preferences in your MyChart account by selecting Communications Preferences from the main menu. From there, you will be able to select text message for the types of communications you’d like to receive. Make sure the toggle button is selected to green for text message, and click the green Subscribe button to go to the Manage Text Subscriptions page. Confirm the mobile number displayed is correct, and then click the toggle button to green to turn on text messages for account, patient, and visit updates.

Why is the number I get Altru texts from changing?

If you have already been receiving text messages from Altru, the number you’ve been receiving messages from will be changing so we can better serve your communication needs with expanded texting options for communication updates related to your visits, Altru MyChart account, outstanding balances, and care management.

I do not want text message reminders for my appointments. How do I stop them?

Altru patients can easily opt out of receiving text messages anytime by texting STOP to 26042. All text messages contain instructions on how to opt out.

You can also change your communication preferences at any time by logging into your MyChart account, selecting Communications Preferences from the main menu, and turning off the text message option.

I accidentally opted out. What do I do?

You can opt in again by texting START to 26042 or by changing your communication preferences to subscribe to text messages again in MyChart.

How do appointment text messages work?

Altru patients or their designated proxy will receive an appointment notification text message when an appointment is scheduled. You will also receive an appointment confirmation text message two days before your appointment if it has not already been confirmed. Patients should review the date and time of each appointment and use the prompts provided in the message to either confirm, reschedule, or cancel the appointment.

If you are seeking an alternate appointment time and have been put on the waitlist by an Altru team member, you may receive additional text messages offering a different appointment time and/or date. By using the prompts provided in the text message, you can either accept (reschedule) or decline the new appointment. If you choose to reschedule, the new appointment slot will replace your previously scheduled appointment. If you decline the new appointment offer, you will continue to remain on the waitlist until you complete your appointment or are removed from the waitlist.

Will I receive reminder text messages for all of my scheduled appointments?

Once opted in, Altru patients will be able to receive text message reminders for upcoming appointments. It’s important to update your communication preferences in MyChart to choose which appointment reminders you’d like to receive via text by selecting Communications Preferences from the main menu. From there, you will be able to select the types of communications you'd like to receive by text message.

What happens if I don't respond to the appointment confirmation text message?

If you do not respond to the appointment confirmation text message, your appointment will remain scheduled, but you may get a phone call to confirm.

How do I update my phone number?

You can update your phone number during the check-in process for any appointment, by updating your contact information in your MyChart account (go to Personal Information from the main menu), or by calling us at 701.780.5000.

Will this cost me anything?

Texting with Altru will not cost you anything, except for any possible text messaging charges associated with your cell phone carrier and service plan. Standard text messaging rates will apply.

Will I still receive phone call and email reminders?

Text messages will not replace email reminders however we will no longer offer phone call reminders. The text messages will serve as an additional reminder if you have not already confirmed your appointment.

What if I have an international phone number?

Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to text numbers outside the U.S. This includes phone numbers related to Skype or other international carriers.