Communicating with Providers
Case ManagersCase Manager Portal
Stay connected with service providers through the portal's communication features. Send messages, receive updates, and coordinate care for your clients.
Communication Options
Portal Messaging
If enabled, you can:
- Send messages to provider
- Receive responses
- Maintain written record
- Communicate asynchronously
Direct Contact
For urgent matters:
- Phone numbers provided
- Email contacts available
- Emergency contacts listed
- Business hours noted
Using Portal Messages
Sending a Message
- Go to Messages section
- Click New Message or Compose
- Select recipient (may be automatic)
- Write your message
- Click Send
Message History
View past communications:
- All sent messages
- All received messages
- Organized by date
- Client reference
What to Communicate
Appropriate Topics
Use portal for:
- Service questions
- Schedule inquiries
- Documentation requests
- Care coordination
- General updates
Not for Emergencies
Don't use portal for:
- Client emergencies (call 911)
- Urgent matters (call provider)
- Time-sensitive issues
Receiving Messages
Notifications
You may receive:
- Email notifications
- Portal alerts
- Unread message badges
Responding
When you receive a message:
- Review the content
- Respond as needed
- Keep communication professional
- Document if significant
Provider Contact Information
Finding Contact Info
Provider contacts are shown:
- On portal dashboard
- In organization profile
- Within each client's record
- In help section
Key Contacts
Know how to reach:
- General inquiries
- Specific staff (if shared)
- Emergency contacts
- After-hours options
Communication Best Practices
Be Clear
- State your purpose
- Include relevant details
- Reference client/date if needed
- Ask specific questions
Be Professional
- Use appropriate tone
- Keep focused
- Respect boundaries
- Maintain confidentiality
Be Timely
- Respond within reasonable time
- Follow up if no response
- Don't expect instant replies
- Note business hours
Response Times
What to Expect
Portal messages typically:
- Reviewed within 1-2 business days
- Non-urgent matters
- Documented for record
- May require follow-up
For Faster Response
If you need quicker response:
- Call the provider
- Note urgency level
- Use appropriate channel
- Be patient during busy times
Communication Records
Message History
Your messages are:
- Saved in portal
- Viewable anytime
- Documented record
- Reference for follow-up
Exporting Communications
If needed:
- Print message threads
- Reference in case notes
- Document coordination
Multi-Client Communication
Separate by Client
Keep communications organized:
- Reference specific clients
- Separate concerns clearly
- Don't mix client issues
Batch Updates
If contacting about multiple clients:
- May need separate messages
- Keep organized
- Reference each client
When to Call Instead
Urgent Matters
Call for:
- Time-sensitive issues
- Complex discussions
- Emergency situations
- Real-time coordination
Preference
Some matters work better by phone:
- Sensitive topics
- Complicated situations
- When tone matters
- When back-and-forth needed
Troubleshooting
Messages Not Sending
- Check internet connection
- Try again
- Refresh portal
- Contact support
No Response
If you don't hear back:
- Check sent messages
- Wait appropriate time
- Try alternate method
- Follow up politely
Related Articles
Was this article helpful?