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

# How to Send a Patient Payment Link

> Send a patient a secure payment link by text or email, or generate a pay link from Insights.

### At a Glance

A payment link shows the patient their full outstanding balance, with itemized detail of the encounters contributing to it, and lets them pay online.

### Send via Text or Email

1. On the [Appointments](https://insights.athelas.com/appointments) page, choose the patient encounter and click **Charge**.
2. Enter the amount to charge. *(You can also [set up a payment plan](/insights_front_desk/patient_responsibility/setting_up_a_payment_plan) from here.)*
3. Continue to the payment method and choose **Send Payment Link** → **Send via Text** or **Send via Email**, then confirm.

The patient receives a message with a secure link to the payment portal.

### Generate a Link Within Insights

From the [Patient Responsibility page](/insights_front_desk/patient_responsibility/patient_responsibility_page), open the **Actions** menu and choose **Generate Patient Pay Link**. Paste the link into a new browser tab; the patient signs in (they receive an authentication code by text and email and can choose either).

### At Checkout

The patient can view all charges contributing to their balance, then click **Go to Checkout** to pay in full or in part (partial payments depend on your [PR Settings](/insights_front_desk/patient_responsibility/pr_settings)). They can use a saved card or add a new one, and a receipt is sent on completion.

<Note>
  Generated pay links expire after one hour, after which the patient must re-authenticate via the emailed link.
</Note>

### FAQ

<Accordion title="Can the patient pay only part of the balance?">
  Yes, if partial payments are enabled in the **General** tab of your [PR Settings](/insights_front_desk/patient_responsibility/pr_settings). Otherwise they must pay the full balance.
</Accordion>