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The Messages page (?page=messages) is a unified inbox combining Patient Portal messages and WhatsApp conversations in one place, updating in near real-time (via websocket where available, falling back to polling).
Step-by-step
Go to Messages.
The conversation list shows all patient threads, most recent first, with unread counts.
Click a conversation to view the combined history (portal + WhatsApp messages together).
Type a reply — choose whether to send via the Patient Portal or WhatsApp, depending on how the patient is reachable.
Use Mark all read to clear unread badges.
Common issues & fixes
if the live connection (websocket) can't establish, the page falls back to periodic polling, which may have a short delay.
WhatsApp messaging must be configured (see WhatsApp Integration Settings) and the patient must have previously messaged in or opted in, per WhatsApp Business policy.
check the correct channel was used; a portal-only message won't reach a patient who only checks WhatsApp.