Changes to 10DLC: What Healthcare Practices Need to Know

10DLC registration became mandatory in 2023 for organizations using 10-digit phone numbers to send SMS messages to individuals.

‍Starting in 2024, registering for 10DLC is much easier. The updates enhance the experience for businesses using A2P messaging.

Key Takeaways

2024 changes to 10DLC include:

• Unregistered traffic will be blocked: Starting December 1, 2024, US carriers will block all unregistered messaging for 10DLC. Businesses and software providers must register with The Campaign Registry (TCR) to avoid message interruptions.
• Higher fees per message: Starting June 1, 2024, businesses using unregistered A2P numbers will pay $0.012 for SMS and $0.021 for MMS.
• Fines for prohibited content: Carriers will impose fines for messages containing prohibited SHAFT content, which includes sex, hate, firearms, and tobacco. Fines may reach up to $10,000 per violation.
• New campaign requirements: When subscribers agree to join a campaign verbally, businesses must confirm their consent in the message and include a call to action.

What Healthcare Practices Need to Know about 10DLC Changes in 2023

• 10DLC Registration Required: All 10-digit texting numbers for healthcare must be registered by Sept 1, 2023, to avoid message blocking.
• Carrier Approval Needed: A2P (application-to-person) text campaigns require carrier approval; submit yours well in advance.
• Updated Opt-in and Privacy Policies: Ensure your policies comply with the latest 10DLC requirements for patient consent and opt-out options.
• Prepare for 10DLC Changes: Register numbers, submit campaigns, update policies, and communicate changes to patients.
• Reliable 10DLC Partner: Choose a provider proactive about regulation changes to avoid disruptions like Doctible.

10DLC, or 10-digit long code messaging, is a type of SMS messaging that uses standard 10-digit phone numbers. It is a popular choice for practices that text their patients because it allows them to send messages to their patients in a way that is familiar and easy to use.

However, there are some important changes to 10DLC that healthcare practices need to be aware of in 2023.

1. All 10DLC numbers must be registered with the Campaign Registry by September 1, 2023.

Unregistered 10DLC numbers will be blocked from sending messages to U.S. phone numbers.

‍Practices must register their 10DLC numbers as soon as possible to avoid any disruption to their patient outreach efforts.

2. Carriers must approve A2P 10DLC campaigns.

A2P, or application-to-person, 10DLC campaigns are used to send messages to customers. Providers that send A2P 10DLC messages must have their campaigns approved by carriers. This process can take up to 10 business days, so you should plan accordingly.

3. There are new requirements for opt-in language and privacy policies.

Practices must ensure their opt-in language and privacy policies comply with the latest 10DLC requirements. Required details include obtaining explicit consent from patients to receive messages and providing them with a clear way to opt out.

What healthcare practices can do to prepare for the changes to 10DLC in 2023:

• Register all 10DLC numbers with carriers as soon as possible (or check with your current patient communication provider to ensure yours already is).
• Submit A2P 10DLC campaigns for approval well in advance of when they need to be sent.
• Update opt-in language and privacy policies to comply with the latest 10DLC requirements.
• Communicate with patients about the changes to 10DLC and how they may affect their ability to receive messages.

By following these steps, healthcare providers can ensure that they are prepared for the changes to 10DLC in 2023 and can continue to send important messages to their patients promptly and effectively.

Additional tips for medical practices using 10DLC:

• Use a reputable 10DLC provider.
• Segment your audience and target your messages accordingly.
• Personalize your messages as much as possible.
• Send messages at a time that is convenient for your patients.
• Track the results of your messaging campaigns and make adjustments as needed.

Use these tips to maximize the effectiveness of your 10DLC messaging campaigns.

Switch to a Reliable Partner

10DLC SMS changes affected all communication carriers, but Doctible went above and beyond to ensure that its customers could keep enjoying its texting capabilities (even when the registration process for phone numbers was extended or rejected). We worked with Twilio to register numbers and issue temporary toll-free numbers, allowing for a smooth transition.

Our proactive approach to these changes speaks volumes about our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our customers. Thanks to forward-thinking, we guaranteed uninterrupted communication for our valued users.

A reliable texting provider should always be prepared to handle changes to regulations, like the ones affecting texting from 10DLC.

If your current provider failed to do so, you and your business might be facing some serious issues. In these instances, it's crucial to consider partnering with a better patient communication software that is assertive and stays up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes.

A good provider will ensure that patient texting capabilities are not disrupted and that your practice continues to operate smoothly.

Don't let regulatory changes catch you off guard—choose Doctible, because we have your back.

Your practice can remain compliant with 10DLC changes and continue texting patients worry-free by switching to Doctible today. Learn more about our suite of patient engagement tools or sign up for a demo in just a few clicks.