---
title: "NHCX Communication"
description: "How to respond to payer queries and payment notices using the NHCX inbox and communication form."
date: 2026-08-21
lastModified: 2026-08-21
category: "nhcx"
author: "Dr. Umesh Bilagi"
beta: true
---

## Overview

Payers use NHCX to send **communications** to the hospital — queries about a claim, requests for additional information, and payment notices. You respond to these from the NHCX inbox using the communication form.

## Inbox

The **NHCX Inbox** (`/admin/hcx/nhcx/inbox`) lists incoming communications in a table with:

- **Id** — a link to the full FHIR record (errors show in red with a warning icon).
- **Type** — the communication API type (e.g., `COMMUNICATION_REQUEST`).
- **Date** — when it was received.
- **Payer** — the payer that sent it.
- **Send Response** — shown only for `COMMUNICATION_REQUEST`; opens the response form.

## Sending a response

From a `COMMUNICATION_REQUEST` row, click **Send Response** to open the communication form.

1. **Type** — choose how the response payload is delivered: `Pdf`, `Text`, or `Link`.
2. **Title** — a title for the payload (hidden for `Text`).
3. **Add Payload** — add the response content. For PDF/Link this is the file or URL; for Text it is the message body.
4. Submit.

The system builds a FHIR `Communication` resource addressed back to the payer and sends it through NHCX.

## Common Issues

- **Send Response not shown** — only `COMMUNICATION_REQUEST` rows have a response action. Other communication types are informational only.
- **Error shown in red** — click the Id link to view the full error details.

## FAQ

**Q: What is a COMMUNICATION_REQUEST?**
A: A message from the payer that requires a response from the hospital (e.g., a query on a claim or a request for a document).

**Q: Can I send a document as my response?**
A: Yes. Choose `Pdf` and attach the file, or `Link` to provide a URL.