# Communication Center

## Overview

The Communication Center in Welkin is the hub for all patient and care team communications. It consolidates messages, calls, SMS, email, and chat into a single interface so care team members can manage all interactions without switching between applications.

## Accessing the Communication Center

Click **Messages** or **Communication** in the left navigation bar of the Care Portal.

## Communication Channels

The Communication Center supports multiple channels depending on your organization's configuration:

* **Email** – send and receive emails with patients
* **SMS** – two-way text messaging with patients via configured phone numbers
* **Secure Email** – HIPAA-compliant encrypted email (requires Paubox or similar)
* **Chat** – live chat with patients via the Welkin patient portal
* **Voice Calls** – inbound and outbound call routing

## Viewing Conversations

The Communication Center shows a list of all active and recent conversations. Each conversation is linked to a patient record. Click a conversation to view the full message thread.

## Sending a Message

1. From the Communication Center or from within a patient profile, click **+ New Message** or the channel icon
2. Select the patient (if not already in the context of a patient profile)
3. Choose the communication channel (Email, SMS, etc.)
4. Compose your message
5. Click **Send**

## Inbox

For enhanced inbox management features including filtering, assignment, and threaded messaging, see [Inbox](/care/communication/inbox.md).

## Managing Unrecognized Communication

For messages received from unknown numbers or addresses, see [Manage Unrecognized Communication](/care/communication/manage-unrecognized-communication.md).

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## Related Topics

* [Inbox](/care/communication/inbox.md) – inbox management and filtering
* [Communication Templates](/care/communication/communication-templates.md) – message templates
* [Calls](/care/communication/communication-center-calls.md) – phone call management
* [Chat](/care/communication/chat.md) – live chat functionality
* [SMS](/care/communication/communication-center-sms.md) – text messaging
* [Email](/care/communication/email-functionality.md) – email functionality
* [Manage Unrecognized Communication](/care/communication/manage-unrecognized-communication.md) – handling unknown senders
* [Notifications and Alerts](/care/getting-started/notifications-and-alerts.md) – system notifications
* [Automations that Trigger Outbound Communications](https://welkin-health-1.gitbook.io/welkin-health-docs/designer/automations-that-trigger-outbound-communications) – automated messages in Designer


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