Text Paging Services

Text paging allows users to search for an individual using any part of a name or Personal Identification Code (PIC) and send a text message. Users can send text or numeric pages in just a few keystrokes.

What is text paging?

ITC's text paging service allows a user to send a (non-emergency) text message to other users who have an alphanumeric pager. This can be done from any on-Grounds' University or Health System computer equipped with a Web browser, or from an off-Grounds' computer with a secure connection to the network using a VPN client. Users simply select one or more recipients from a list, prepare the message text, and send the page. The system automatically reflects status changes and coverage, providing real-time staff availability.

Text paging is not appropriate for use in emergencies because it is not the fastest means to reach a recipient. Receipt of the message cannot be guaranteed for several reasons, including the pager being out of range, the pager is turned off, or pager failure. There is no way to confirm message receipt.

Sending a Text Page

  • From a Health System Computer
    1. Click the desktop icon from any University Health System computer.
      HS icon
      If there is no icon on the computer contact the HSCS Helpdesk at 924-5334. You can also go to the Text Paging website at https://paging.itc.virginia.edu.
    2. Select recipients by typing in the name or PIC # of the person you want to page.
    3. Click on "Create Message" and a message window appears.
    4. Type your message and click on the "Send" button. Message has been sent. The recipient's pager will display the message you typed.
  • From an on-Grounds' computer not in the Health System
    1. Go to the Text Paging website at https://paging.itc.virginia.edu.
    2. Select the text page recipients by typing in the name or PIC # of the person you want to page.
    3. Click the "Create Message" button. The message window appears.
    4. Type the text message, add your name and call back number, and click the "Send" button. Your message will be sent, and the recipient's pager will display the message you typed.
  • From Home
    You can use text paging from home if you are able to establish a secure connection to the network using a VPN client.

    Health System employees should print and complete the VPN request form at https://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/Intranet/security/Security Forms/home.cfm and present it to the Computing Services Front Desk at Stacey Hall. You will need to be on Grounds to access this website.

    Non-Health System employees can obtain a VPN client at http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/vpn/ Again, this site can only be accessed while on Grounds.

Receiving Text Pages

Receiving text pages requires both a published PIC number and a text-capable (alphanumeric) pager. Only those with a published PIC number can receive pages. Messages cannot be sent to private numbers.

Can your pager receive text messages? If you are not sure, the easiest way to check this is to search your own name in the online directory.

  • Go to the Text Paging website via the desktop icon on Health System computers or by entering the Web address https://paging.itc.virginia.edu in your browser.
  • Search your name in the directory.
  • Look under the "Pager Type" column. Your pager will be either "Alpha" or "Numeric."
    • Alpha (or alphanumeric) will receive text messages.
    • Numeric will not receive text messages and will display "924-0000" when a text message is received in which the UVa operator will relay the message.

To obtain an alphanumeric pager if you do not have one, contact your manager or Chief Resident in the Health System, or ITC Communication Services at 924-5963 if you are not in the hospital. Alternatively, you can visit the website at http://www.itc.virginia.edu/commserv/paging/userpaging.html#getpager.

No Confirmation of Text Pages

There is no confirmation sent to the originator of a message when text pages/messages are received, so do not rely on text messaging to send critical information. The system automatically creates an archival log of all pages sent, but it cannot confirm whether the user's pager is operable or in use by the recipient.

Paging Groups of People

Existing groups on the telephone paging system can be accessed through the online text paging system. Enter the group number in "ID Field" and the group name should appear. If you need to create or modify an existing group, contact ITC Communication Services at 924-5963. Multiple people can also be paged by selecting multiple recipients in the "Recipient" field.

Personal or individual groups should only be created for business-related issues and they must be self-maintained. They are available only on the computer on which they are created, and because of these maintenance and portability issues they are not recommended.

Searching for Recipient Info

The wildcard search character is the percent (%) symbol and it allows you to provide a pattern that will be matched by retrieved records. The percent wildcard character represents any number of characters at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a field. This symbol allows searching the directory when exact name spellings are unknown.

For instance, the search "Wright, S%" would return names like "Wright, Steven," "Wright, Sarah," or "Wright, Sean."

Appropriate Use Guidelines for the Medical Center

  • Can I send patient information?
    Medical Center Security Policy allows you to identify patients with their first initial, entire last name, and room number. Diagnoses, test results or other sensitive medical information should not be included in text messages.
  • Is text paging used in emergencies?
    No! Text paging is not appropriate for use in emergencies because it is not the fastest means to reach a recipient, and there is no way to confirm message receipt.
  • Who knows what I send?
    ITC has a record of every message sent. The system automatically creates an archival log of all paging activity, and random audits are conducted to ensure appropriate use.
  • Guidelines
    Medical Center guidelines for appropriate use can be found at https://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/intranet/security/Guidelines_II/Text_PagingMessaging.cfm.

Most questions or problems with text paging should be directed to ITC Communication Services at 924-2550.

© 2009 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

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