> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://q.odontox.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Treatment Follow-ups

> AI-generated follow-up messages for treatment plans that have been pending for 7 or more days, with tone recommendations and channel suggestions.

When a patient receives a treatment plan but hasn't taken action, timely follow-up makes the difference between a plan that converts and one that fades away. The Treatment Follow-ups feature automatically identifies pending plans and generates personalized outreach messages to re-engage patients.

**Admins & Doctors** access follow-ups.

## How it works

The system monitors treatment plans in "Proposed" status. When a plan has been pending for **7 or more days** without patient action, it becomes eligible for AI-generated follow-up messaging.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Ruby Insights">
    Open Ruby Insights from the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to the Recover section">
    Scroll to the **Recover** section to see all treatment plans eligible for follow-up.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review generated messages">
    For each pending plan, the AI generates a personalized message along with tone and channel recommendations.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit and send">
    Adjust the message if needed, then reach out to the patient through the suggested channel.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What gets generated for each plan

For every eligible treatment plan, you receive three things:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Personalized message">
    A message tailored to the specific patient and procedure, kept under 500 characters. The message acknowledges the patient by name, references the specific treatment discussed, and provides a clear call to action.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Tone recommendation">
    The AI suggests one of three tones based on the procedure type and how long the plan has been pending:

    * **Gentle** — for cosmetic procedures, shorter wait times, or patients who may need a soft nudge
    * **Moderate** — for standard dental procedures at typical follow-up intervals
    * **Urgent** — for time-sensitive treatments where delay could worsen the patient's condition
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Suggested channel">
    A recommended communication method — WhatsApp, SMS, or email — based on message length and the type of conversation the follow-up warrants.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Urgency classification

The AI classifies procedures by clinical urgency to determine the appropriate follow-up tone:

| Urgency level | Examples                                      | Typical tone                                        |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| **Urgent**    | Root canal for abscess, emergency extractions | Urgent — emphasizes health risk of delay            |
| **High**      | Crown post-root canal, periodontal treatment  | Moderate to urgent depending on time elapsed        |
| **Medium**    | Prosthetics, bridges, dentures                | Moderate — focuses on quality of life benefits      |
| **Low**       | Cosmetic procedures, whitening, veneers       | Gentle — highlights aesthetic benefits, no pressure |

<Note>
  The urgency classification is based on the procedure type, not the patient's specific condition. Use your clinical judgment to adjust the tone if the patient's situation warrants it.
</Note>

## Recognizing patient barriers

The AI is aware of common reasons patients delay treatment and tailors messages accordingly:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Cost concerns">
    Messages for higher-cost treatments acknowledge the investment and can mention that your clinic offers flexible options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dental anxiety">
    For procedures that commonly cause anxiety (extractions, root canals), messages use reassuring language about comfort and care.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Scheduling conflicts">
    Messages suggest flexibility in scheduling and emphasize how quickly the appointment can be completed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pain subsided">
    For patients who likely sought treatment due to pain that has since eased, messages explain why treatment is still important even after symptoms resolve.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  Messages are generated as drafts. Always review before sending — you know your patient relationship better than any automated system.
</Warning>

## Cultural adaptation

Follow-up messages are written with the Pakistan market in mind. This means:

* Respectful and relationship-oriented communication style
* Acknowledgment that dental treatment is typically an out-of-pocket expense
* Sensitivity to family decision-making dynamics for major treatments
* Appropriate formality level based on the patient's profile

<Tip>
  Follow-ups are most effective when sent within the first two weeks of a plan being proposed. The longer a plan sits, the harder it is to convert — but the AI adjusts urgency and messaging accordingly.
</Tip>

## Related articles

* [AI Overview](/ai/overview) — rate limits, AI principles, and the full list of AI features
* [Revenue Forecast](/ai/revenue-forecast) — see how pending treatment plans affect your projected revenue
* [Patient Retention](/ai/churn-predictor) — re-engage patients who haven't visited in a while
* [Payment Reminders](/ai/payment-reminders) — follow up on financial obligations for accepted plans