> ## 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 a patient at the desk

> Create a new PHB record at the front desk, with a code read back from the patient's phone or as a provisional record.

The desk never invents a verified identity. Either the patient reads back a code sent to their own phone, or they get a clearly marked **provisional** record. Missing details never block care.

## Before you start

You need:

* The role `receptionist` (or `owner` or `admin`).
* The patient in front of you.

<Warning>
  Always check first whether the patient already has PHB. A second HPN splits their record and can't be merged yet.
</Warning>

<Frame caption="Step 1 of 6 at `/hospital/desk/register`: check first, to avoid a second HPN.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/phbhealth/GtJnfqFNgZgyAOW8/images/guides/front-desk-register-step1.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=GtJnfqFNgZgyAOW8&q=85&s=4eadea5e94ad7c988d3710aa26ca5b45" alt="Step 1 of 6 of desk registration: check whether the patient is already in PHB, by HPN or phone." width="840" height="1405" data-path="images/guides/front-desk-register-step1.jpg" />
</Frame>

## Steps

Open **Register at desk** (`/hospital/desk/register`). The wizard saves as you go, so it is safe to stop.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check first">
    **Ask for their HPN.** Search by HPN or name, and their phone if they have one. If there is **No match here — that does not mean they are new to PHB.** If they say they have PHB, use **They already have PHB** on this screen. See [They already have PHB](/guides/front-desk/they-already-have-phb).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Their details">
    Name, sex, date of birth and LGA. If they don't know their exact date of birth, mark it **Estimated**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identity">
    Choose one:

    * **Phone code:** click **Send code**. The patient reads back the code from their phone. Their record is verified by phone.
    * **No phone today:** create a provisional record. You can add a phone later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="NDPR consent">
    Read the consent script aloud and confirm the patient agreed. You must do this before the record is created.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Coverage">
    This step is not available yet. Add HMO coverage later from the patient's coverage view.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Done · HPN">
    Click **Create record · issue HPN**. Print the HPN slip, and check the patient in.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What you can do here

* Register adults, and children under a guardian.
* Print an HPN slip for the patient.
* Record the registration fee if your facility takes it at reception.

## What a provisional record limits

A provisional record shows **Limited until verified**: no HMO claims, no cross-hospital sharing and no app login. The patient still gets care. See [Upgrade a provisional record](/guides/front-desk/upgrade-a-provisional-record).

## Common problems

| What you see | What to do |
| - | - |
| **That code is incorrect.** | Ask the patient to read it again, or click **Resend**. |
| **Record the patient's NDPR consent before creating the record.** | Complete the consent step. |
| **The duplicate check did not run.** | Try the check again before creating a record. |
| **Registration fee already settled** | The fee was paid elsewhere, such as at the cashier. Nothing more to collect. |
| **Registration is a reception task** | Your role can't register patients. Ask your owner or admin. |


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