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Configure Releases

Set up custom release types to streamline message sending

Written by Stacy Lane

This article explains how to create and configure release types in your Kno2 Connected™ app. You'll learn how to set up release types with default settings that simplify sending messages.

What Are Release Types

Release types are message templates that define default settings for sending faxes or Direct Secure Messages. They streamline your workflow by pre-configuring common message scenarios, such as lab results, referrals, or discharge summaries.

When you send a message, you select a release type from a dropdown menu. The system applies the default settings configured for that release type, reducing manual data entry and ensuring consistency.

Before You Start

  • You need administrator access to your Kno2 Connected™ app

  • Understand your organization's common message types and workflows

  • Know which addresses or fax numbers should be used for each message type

  • Have Send Permissions configured for any addresses you want to use


Steps to Create a Release Type

Step 1: Open Release Type Creation

  • Navigate to Settings

    • Go to Settings > Configure Releases in your Kno2 Connected™ app

  • Start Creating New Release Type

    • Click the + sign in the upper right corner

    • The create release type window opens

  • Select desired settings and save

    • See Steps 2-4 for detailed setup guidance


Step 2: Configure Release Type Settings

Release Name (Required)

Enter a descriptive name for this release type.

What it does:

  • Acts as the subject line of the message

  • Appears in the Type dropdown menu when sending messages

  • Helps users identify the correct release type to use

Important: Never include personal information such as patient health information (PHI) in release type names. Release types are templates used for multiple patients.

Examples:

  • "Lab Results"

  • "Referral - Cardiology"

  • "Discharge Summary"

  • "Medication List"

Origin Address or Fax Number (Optional)

Select the address or fax number from which messages should be sent when using this release type.

When to use:

  • Specific departments have dedicated fax numbers

  • Certain message types should come from specific addresses

  • You want to ensure consistent sender identification

If left blank: Users select the origin address when sending the message.

Destination Address or Fax Number (Optional)

Enter the address or fax number that should always receive messages when this release type is used.

When to use:

  • Messages always go to the same recipient (e.g., specific lab, insurance company)

  • Automatic routing to predetermined destinations

  • Frequently used recipient addresses

If left blank: Users enter the destination address when sending the message.

Message Context (Optional - Direct Messages Only)

Select the code or classification for Direct Secure Messages sent with this release type.

What it does:

  • Provides context about the message type to the recipient's EHR

  • Enables recipient systems to route or process messages based on context

  • Ensures proper message handling at the destination

When to use:

  • Recipient systems use message context for automated routing

  • Specific workflows require context classification

  • Interoperability standards require context codes

Available contexts include:

  • Referral

  • Discharge

  • General Communication

  • Patient Initiated

  • Emergency Discharge

  • Inpatient Discharge

  • Medication Management

Default Send Type (Optional - Direct Messages Only)

Select the format in which Direct Secure Messages should be sent when using this release type.

Available formats:

  • Original

  • PDF

  • CDA (Clinical Document Architecture)

Important note: This is a default setting. Users can change the send format when releasing individual messages if needed.

Track Fax Responses (Optional - Faxes Only)

Check this box to enable automatic tracking for fax responses.

What it does:

  • Adds a barcode to outgoing faxes

  • Enables automatic matching of responses to original faxes

  • Streamlines fax response handling

When to use:

  • Your organization uses the Track The Fax feature

  • You want responses automatically linked to original messages

  • Common for authorization requests, referrals, or forms requiring responses

Important note: Users can uncheck Track Fax Responses when sending individual faxes if a barcode is not needed for that specific fax.

Step 3: Save the Release Type

  • Review Settings

    • Verify all configured options are correct

    • Ensure the Release Name is clear and descriptive

  • Save Changes

    • Click Save Changes

    • The release type is now available for use

Step 4: Verify Release Type Availability

Access the Release Type:

  • Navigate to Release in your Kno2 Connected™ app

  • Click the Type dropdown menu

  • Your new release type appears in the list

Important: You must have Send Permissions for the origin address or fax number configured in the release type to see it in the dropdown menu. If a release type doesn't appear, verify your Send Permissions.


How Release Types Work When Sending Messages

Selecting a Release Type:

  1. User navigates to Release to send a message

  2. User selects the appropriate release type from the Type dropdown

  3. System populates configured default settings automatically

  4. User completes any remaining required fields

  5. User sends the message

What Gets Populated Automatically:

  • Subject line (from Release Name)

  • Origin address or fax number (if configured)

  • Destination address or fax number (if configured)

  • Message context (if configured for Direct messages)

  • Default send format (if configured for Direct messages)

  • Track Fax Responses setting (if configured for faxes)

What Users Can Override:

  • Track Fax Responses checkbox for faxes


Best Practices for Release Types

Naming Conventions:

  • Use clear, descriptive names that match your workflow

  • Include department or specialty when relevant

  • Keep names concise but informative

  • Never include patient-specific information

Configuration Strategy:

  • Create release types for your most common message scenarios

  • Configure origin addresses for department-specific workflows

  • Set destination addresses for frequently used recipients

  • Enable Track Fax Responses for messages that typically get responses

Organization:

  • Create release types that match your team's workflow

  • Train staff on which release type to use for each scenario

  • Review and update release types as workflows evolve

  • Remove unused release types to keep the list manageable

Security Considerations:

  • Never include PHI in release type names

  • Verify destination addresses are correct before saving

  • Review Send Permissions to ensure appropriate access

  • Monitor usage to ensure release types are used correctly


Troubleshooting Release Type Issues

Problem: New release type doesn't appear in dropdown menu Solution:

  • Verify you have Send Permissions for the configured origin address

  • Check that the release type was saved successfully

  • Refresh your browser and try again

  • Contact administrator to verify Send Permissions

Problem: Cannot save release type with specific origin address Solution:

  • Verify the origin address is properly configured in Settings

  • Ensure you have administrator access

  • Check that the address format is correct

  • Try selecting a different origin address to isolate the issue

Problem: Track Fax Responses option is grayed out Solution:

  • Verify this is configured as a fax release type (not Direct message)

  • Confirm Track The Fax feature is enabled for your organization

  • Contact support if feature should be available but isn't

Problem: Users report release type has wrong default settings Solution:

  • Edit the release type to update settings

  • Click Save Changes after making corrections

  • Notify users of the update

  • Consider creating a new release type if changes are significant


Managing Existing Release Types

To Edit a Release Type:

  1. Go to Settings > Release Types

  2. Find the release type to edit

  3. Click the edit icon (pencil)

  4. Make necessary changes

  5. Click Save Changes

To Delete a Release Type:

  1. Go to Settings > Release Types

  2. Find the release type to delete

  3. Click the delete icon (trash)

  4. Confirm deletion

Important: Deleting a release type does not affect previously sent messages that used that type.

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