HIPAA Texting for athenahealth Users
athenahealth handles your clinical record and one-to-one texting. Here is how to add group threads and broadcast messaging alongside Patient Conversations.
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The short answer
athenahealth Patient Conversations handles one-to-one SMS, but it does not offer group threads or broadcast messaging. BloomText works alongside athenahealth to give practices group conversations and broadcast texting. Patients reply over SMS with no app.
Capability comparison
BloomText vs athenahealth
| Capability | BloomText | athenahealth |
|---|---|---|
| Two-way SMSPatients reply by secure chat via SMS | Included | Included |
| Group threadsStaff and patients in one conversation | Included | Not included |
| Broadcast messagingReach many patients at once | Included | Not included |
| No app or login requiredWorks from any phone, no download needed | Included | Included |
| Portal or app messagingPatients log in to a portal to message | Not included | Included |
| One-way SMS remindersAutomated appointment notifications | Not included | Included |
| Self-serve pricingPublished rates, no sales call needed | Included | Not included |
| No long-term contractMonth-to-month, cancel anytime | Included | Not included |
The gap athenahealth users describe
athenahealth handles clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and now one-to-one patient texting through Patient Conversations. The gap is group communication and broadcast messaging. Practices need multi-provider patient threads for care coordination and broadcast updates for closures and schedule changes.
What athenahealth users need alongside their EHR
Group threads where multiple providers and a patient share one conversation. Broadcast messaging for reaching multiple patients. And a signed BAA covering the texting platform.
How BloomText fills the gap
BloomText gives athenahealth practices group conversations and broadcast messaging. Group threads let multiple providers and a patient share one exchange. Broadcasts reach multiple patients at once. Patient Conversations continues handling one-to-one texting within athenaOne.
Every plan includes a signed BAA, including the free plan. Over 3,000 organizations use BloomText. See pricing for current plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
- No. athenahealth remains your clinical record with Patient Conversations for one-to-one texting. BloomText adds group threads and broadcast messaging.
- No. Patients receive secure links over normal SMS and reply from any phone.
- Yes. BloomText broadcast messages reach multiple patients at once for closures, schedule changes, and announcements.
- Yes. A signed Business Associate Agreement is included on every plan, including the free plan.
Does BloomText replace athenahealth?
Do patients need to download an app?
Can I send broadcast messages to multiple patients?
Does BloomText include a BAA?
Sources
Last verified August 27, 2026.
