Patient can send Messages and/or Appointment request from the below highlighted sections of patient portal.
The below images show the web appointment request and message Compose screens of patient Portal.
2. The message sent from the Portal will reflect on PracticeSuite envelope icon 
on top right side of the home screen (highlighted in the Image below). The notification number increases only for those users for whom Workflow Role is assigned.
3. To assign WorkFlow Roles, click Portal>WorkFlow Roles.
Here, we can edit the assigned user or add a new user to receive notification.
Note: Only 3 users can be configured to the max.