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Version: 3.1

Create a patient

This flow walks through registering a new patient in Care — the minimum path from search to a saved record ready for an encounter.

:::info Prerequisite Read Patient to understand what a patient record contains and how identifiers work. :::

Before you start​

  • You need a role with patient create permission (typically registration or front-desk staff).
  • Know which identifiers your facility requires (MRN, national ID, phone-only intake, etc.).
  • If your deployment enforces duplicate checks, have at least two identifiers ready (e.g. name + date of birth + phone).

Steps​

From the facility dashboard, go to Patients → Search (or use the global patient search shortcut).

Search first — Care expects you to confirm the person is not already registered before creating a duplicate.

2. Start registration​

If no match is found, select Register new patient.

The registration form opens. Required fields depend on your facility's questionnaire configuration; the baseline set is:

FieldNotes
NameLegal name; supports multiple given names where configured
Date of birthUsed for duplicate detection
SexAdministrative sex for clinical context
PhoneOften required for OTP or follow-up contact
IdentifierFacility MRN or national ID when applicable

3. Complete demographics​

Fill optional fields as required by your program — address, emergency contact, blood group, photo, etc.

If duplicate detection is enabled, Care may warn when a similar record exists. Resolve the warning before saving (merge, override with justification, or cancel).

4. Save the record​

Select Save (or Register).

On success:

  • A patient ID and facility MRN are assigned (if auto-generated).
  • The patient profile opens.
  • You can start an encounter or return to the queue.

After creation​

Next stepWhen
Start an encounterPatient is at the desk for a visit (flow coming soon)
Print registration slipFacility policy requires a paper token
Link national health IDABDM or other rails are enabled on your deployment

API equivalent​

POST /api/v1/patient/
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "name": "Jane Doe",
  "age": 34,
  "gender": "female",
  "phone_number": "+91XXXXXXXXXX"
}

Exact payload shape depends on your Care version and facility questionnaire. Use the OpenAPI schema for your instance.

Edge cases​

Deployment-specific handling (unknown identity, emergency intake without ID, duplicate merges) is documented in playbooks, not here.

→ See Outpatient registration for HMIS registration desk scenarios.