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For Patients

Send messages to healthcare providers and join video consultations

For Providers

Communicate with patients through chat and conduct video consultations

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Core Features

  • Direct Messaging: 1-to-1 communication between patients and providers
  • Real-time Messaging: Instant message delivery
  • Mobile Responsive: Works on desktop and mobile devices
  • Appointment-Based Calls: Video calls through scheduled appointments
  • Waiting Room: Patients wait until provider starts the call
  • Provider Initiation: Providers start calls with “Start meeting” button

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User Workflows

1

Access Messages

Navigate to Chat from patient dashboard or upcoming appointment card
2

Select Recipient

Click “Join call” button
3

Compose Message

Enter waiting room and wait for provider to start the call
4

Send & Track

Join video call or send chat and wait for response
5

Receive Response

View provider responses and interact with provider during video calls

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Usual Component Interactions

The Chat component integrates with other components: Core Integration:
  • Patient Dashboard: Links to /chat for messaging
  • Provider Dashboard: Links to /chat for messaging
Common Enhancements:
  • Appointment Booking: Cannot create appointments from messages
  • Prescription Management: No refill request handling through messaging
  • Lab Results: No secure result delivery through messaging
  • Billing Integration: No billing inquiries through messaging
  • Telehealth: Video calls are separate, not integrated with chat

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Required Services

This component requires the following external services to be configured:
  • Supabase: Database for user authentication and CometChat user mapping
  • CometChat: Provides chat and video calling functionality
Environment variables required:
  • NEXT_PUBLIC_COMETCHAT_APP_ID
  • NEXT_PUBLIC_COMETCHAT_REGION
  • NEXT_PUBLIC_COMETCHAT_AUTH_KEY
See our Integration Setup Guide for detailed instructions on configuring these services.