# Email

## Overview

Welkin supports sending and receiving emails with patients directly from the Care Portal. Email is integrated into the Communication Center and patient profile, keeping all correspondence in one place.

## Sending an Email

1. Open the patient profile or go to the **Communication Center**
2. Click **+ New Message** and select **Email**
3. Confirm the patient's email address
4. Enter a **Subject** line
5. Compose the email body
6. Optionally attach files or use a template
7. Click **Send**

## Receiving Patient Emails

When a patient replies to or initiates an email:

* The email appears in the Communication Center inbox
* The email is linked to the patient's record and stored in their communication history
* A notification is sent to the care team member assigned to the conversation

## Email Templates

Use pre-written email templates to maintain consistent messaging. Click the **Templates** button when composing to select a template. See [Communication Templates](/care/communication/communication-templates.md).

## Secure / HIPAA-Compliant Email

For communications that contain protected health information (PHI), your organization may use **Secure Email** powered by Paubox. Secure emails are encrypted end-to-end. Recipients receive an email notification with a secure link to read the message.

To use Secure Email, select **Secure Email** as the channel when composing. See [Paubox Setup and Functionality](https://github.com/welkincloud-io/welkin-docs/blob/master/kb/integrations/paubox-setup-and-functionality.md) for configuration details.

## Email History

All sent and received emails are stored in the patient's Communication tab. You can search the email history, filter by date, and view full email threads.


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