> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.decodahealth.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sequences

> Automatically message a group of patients once or on a repeating schedule.

<Info>
  **Prerequisites:** A sequence sends to a [cohort](/modules/comms/cohorts) — set one up first, or create one while building the sequence.
</Info>

A sequence sends one or more messages to everyone in a cohort. Run it once, or set a repeating schedule so it goes out automatically — for example, a weekly check-in to patients who haven't booked recently.

Open **Sequences** under **Comms** to see your sequences and their status. Click **New Sequence** to build one.

## Build a Sequence

<Steps>
  <Step title="Name it and pick a cohort">
    Give the sequence a name (for example, *Re-engage inactive patients*) and choose the **Cohort** that should receive it. The cohort defines who gets the messages.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a schedule">
    Choose whether the sequence runs once or repeats — see [Set a schedule](#set-a-schedule) below.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add message steps">
    Add each message and how long to wait before it sends. Use **Add step** for each one, then click **Create Sequence**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

A new sequence is saved as a draft — nothing sends until you activate it.

## Set a Schedule

In the **Schedule** section, choose how often the sequence repeats:

* **Does not repeat** — a one-time send to everyone in the cohort.
* **Daily**, **Weekly**, **Every weekday (Mon–Fri)**, or **Monthly** — the common repeat patterns.
* **Custom** — an advanced pattern such as *every 2 weeks* or *monthly on the last day*.

For a repeating schedule, set a **Start date**, and an **End date (optional)** if you want it to stop. Leave the end date blank to keep it running.

<Note>
  Repeating sends always go out at **9:00 AM in your clinic's time zone**. You choose the day(s); the time is fixed.
</Note>

### Re-enrollment cooldown

The **Re-enrollment cooldown** controls how soon a patient can enter the sequence again after finishing it.

* On a repeating schedule the cooldown starts at **0**, so everyone currently in the cohort is messaged on every send.
* Set a cooldown to space out how often the same patient hears from you. A patient who just finished won't re-enter until the cooldown passes, counted from when they finish the sequence.

If you set a cooldown as long as — or longer than — the gap between sends, some patients will be skipped on some sends. The screen warns you when that happens.

## Activate a Sequence

When the sequence is ready, open it and click **Activate**. A one-time sequence sends right away; a repeating sequence starts on its next scheduled date.

For a repeating sequence, you can also check **Send first message now** before activating. This sends an immediate first round, then continues on the schedule.

Click **Pause** at any time to stop future sends. Activate again to resume.