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

# Register as a patient

> Four ways to get an HPN: online, by USSD, at a hospital desk, or at a pharmacy counter.

Any of these gives a patient an HPN. A NIN is not required. Without a verified NIN the HPN starts as **provisional**, and the patient can still get care.

<Warning>
  A person should only ever have one HPN. If they already registered once, don't register them again. See [They already have PHB](/guides/front-desk/they-already-have-phb).
</Warning>

## Before you start

You need:

* A mobile phone number, for online registration. Desk registration works without one.
* Your NIN, if you have it. It is optional.

## Steps

### Online, on your own phone

<Frame caption="Step 1 of 5 at `/register`: your phone number. The sample card on the left is decoration, not a real person.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/phbhealth/GtJnfqFNgZgyAOW8/images/account/register-as-a-patient.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=GtJnfqFNgZgyAOW8&q=85&s=a13e6ba7dbe1dd142d22edfca8432289" alt="Step 1 of 5 of online registration, asking for a mobile number." width="1070" height="815" data-path="images/account/register-as-a-patient.jpg" />
</Frame>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open /register">
    Or click **Create an HPN** on `/login`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your phone number">
    Type your **Mobile number** and click **Send code**. Enter the code PHB texts you, then **Verify & continue**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identity">
    Enter your NIN if you have one. If you don't, or it can't be checked, you carry on with a provisional HPN.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a password">
    Choose a password and confirm it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set your preferences">
    Choose your **Preferred language**, **State** and **Local Government Area**. Accept the privacy notice and terms.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your HPN">
    Click **Create my HPN**. Your **Health Point Number** is shown. Write it down.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### By USSD, on any phone

Dial `*347*731#` and follow the menu to register. You get a provisional HPN and a welcome SMS. No smartphone or data is needed. See [Using USSD](/guides/patient/using-ussd).

### At a hospital front desk

A receptionist registers you at `/hospital/desk/register`. You read back a code sent to your phone. If you have no phone with you, they create a provisional record. See [Register a patient](/guides/front-desk/register-a-patient).

### At a pharmacy counter

A pharmacy on PHB can register you at the counter. See [Register a patient at the counter](/guides/pharmacist/register-a-patient-at-the-counter).

## What you can do next

* Clear the yellow **provisional** banner on **Home** by clicking **Verify NIN**, when NIN checks are available.
* Add a passkey from the card on **Home**.
* Book care, add family, top up your wallet.

## Common problems

| Problem | What to do |
| - | - |
| The code didn't arrive | Wait a minute and click **Resend code**. |
| NIN check fails or is unavailable | Carry on. You get a provisional HPN and can verify later. |
| "Already have an HPN?" | Click **Sign in instead**. Don't create a second account. |


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