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Aether Docs

Secure Messaging

The Messages tab in Halo lets you communicate securely with your connected doctors. All messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only you and your doctor can read them.

How Messaging Works

Section titled “How Messaging Works”
  • Messages are sent through Halo, not email or text
  • All conversations are encrypted
  • Only you and your doctor can read the messages
  • Messages are stored securely and available on all your devices

Viewing Conversations

Section titled “Viewing Conversations”
  1. Tap the Messages tab at the bottom
  2. See a list of all your doctor conversations
  3. Unread messages show a blue indicator
  4. Most recent conversations appear at the top

Conversation List

Section titled “Conversation List”

Each conversation shows:

  • Doctor’s name and photo
  • Preview of the last message
  • Timestamp of the last message
  • Unread badge (if applicable)

Sending a Message

Section titled “Sending a Message”
  1. Go to the Messages tab
  2. Tap on the doctor you want to message (or tap a conversation)
  3. Type your message in the text field at the bottom
  4. Tap the Send button

Message Limits

Section titled “Message Limits”
  • Maximum 2,000 characters per message
  • A character counter appears as you approach the limit
  • For longer messages, split into multiple messages

Message Types

Section titled “Message Types”

Doctors may send you different types of messages:

TypeDescriptionExample
TextStandard message”How are you feeling today?”
Care InstructionTreatment guidance”Take medication with food…”
Lab ResultTest results with context”Your cholesterol is 180…”
PrescriptionNew medication details”I’m prescribing 10mg…”
AppointmentScheduling information”Your next visit is…”

These special message types are formatted for easy reading and may include action buttons.

Receiving Messages

Section titled “Receiving Messages”

When your doctor sends a message:

  1. Push notification appears on your phone (if enabled)
  2. Badge count updates on the Messages tab
  3. Conversation moves to the top of your list
  4. Message appears with timestamp

Notification Settings

Section titled “Notification Settings”

Control how you’re notified:

  1. Go to Profile → Notifications
  2. Toggle Message notifications on/off
  3. Choose notification sound (optional)
  4. Save your preferences

Reading & Responding

Section titled “Reading & Responding”
  1. Tap the notification or open Messages tab
  2. Tap the conversation to read the full message
  3. Type your response at the bottom
  4. Tap Send

Loading Earlier Messages

Section titled “Loading Earlier Messages”

If you have a long conversation history:

  • Scroll up to see older messages
  • Tap “Load earlier messages” if available
  • Messages load in batches for performance

Searching Messages

Section titled “Searching Messages”

To find a specific message:

  1. In the Messages tab, tap the search icon
  2. Enter your search term
  3. Results show matching messages
  4. Tap a result to jump to that message in the conversation

You can search by:

  • Keywords in the message
  • Doctor’s name
  • Dates

Message Attachments

Section titled “Message Attachments”

Doctors may send attachments like:

  • PDF documents
  • Images (test results, diagrams)
  • Care plan documents

To view an attachment:

  1. Tap the attachment in the message
  2. It opens in a viewer
  3. Use the share button to save or print

Message Status

Section titled “Message Status”

Each message shows its delivery status:

StatusMeaning
SendingMessage is being encrypted and sent
SentDelivered to server
DeliveredReceived by doctor’s device
ReadDoctor has viewed the message

Privacy & Encryption

Section titled “Privacy & Encryption”

Your messages are protected by:

End-to-End Encryption

Section titled “End-to-End Encryption”
  • Messages are encrypted on your device
  • Only you and your doctor have the decryption keys
  • Aether servers cannot read message content
  • Not even Aether employees can access your messages

HIPAA Notice

Section titled “HIPAA Notice”

A HIPAA compliance banner appears at the top of the Messages tab, reminding you that:

  • Your conversations are private and secure
  • All messaging is HIPAA compliant
  • Messages are encrypted in transit and at rest

Best Practices

Section titled “Best Practices”

When to Message

Section titled “When to Message”

Good uses for messaging:

  • Non-urgent questions about medications
  • Follow-up questions after visits
  • Appointment scheduling requests
  • Sharing updates on your condition
  • Requesting prescription refills

Not appropriate for messaging:

  • Medical emergencies (call 911)
  • Urgent symptoms needing immediate care
  • Mental health crises (call crisis line)

Writing Effective Messages

Section titled “Writing Effective Messages”
  1. Be specific: Include relevant details
  2. Be concise: Respect your doctor’s time
  3. Be patient: Response times vary
  4. Be clear: State your question or concern upfront

Troubleshooting

Section titled “Troubleshooting”
  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Verify you’re logged into Halo
  3. Make sure the message isn’t over 2,000 characters
  4. Try closing and reopening the app

Next Steps

Section titled “Next Steps”