---
title: "Patient Records"
description: "How to access and manage patient records in NICE HMS — the patient dashboard, quick actions, documents and encounters, and record archival."
date: 2026-07-19
lastModified: 2026-08-09
category: "patient-management"
author: "Dr. Umesh Bilagi"
beta: false
---

## Overview

The Patient Dashboard is the single hub for everything about a patient — demographics, quick actions, encounters, documents, and linked records. It uses a card-based layout, not tabs.

## Accessing the Patient Dashboard

1. Search for the patient using the top search bar (enter ID) or **Patient > Search | Edit | Archive Patient**.
2. Click the patient's ID from the results.
3. The patient dashboard opens.

## Dashboard Layout

### Patient Identity Header

At the top, the header shows: patient name, **Patient ID**, **Facility ID**, and the current OPD/IPD number (if an open encounter exists).

### Quick Actions

A strip of action buttons across the top:
- **New OPD File Print** — Create OPD registration and print the file
- **New OPD Visit** — Start a new OPD clinical encounter
- **New IPD Visit** — Start a new IPD admission encounter
- **Billing** — Open the patient billing page in a new tab
- **Clinical Tools** — Opens a modal with assign doctor, appointments, OPD print, and encounter print

### Patient Details Card

Links to patient administration tasks:

| Link | Destination |
|------|-------------|
| Edit Patient Details | Edit patient demographics and archive toggle |
| Search edit delete OPD Registration | Past OPD registrations for this patient |
| Allot Bed | Bed assignment for IPD admission |
| OT Booking | Operation theatre scheduling |
| Merge Patient | Merge duplicate patient records |
| National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) | Insurance/PMJAY claim workflows |

### Documents & Encounters Card

Links to clinical documentation:

| Link | Destination |
|------|-------------|
| Search Edit Encounter | View and edit past encounters |
| Scan and Upload | Upload scanned documents |
| Initial Assessment | Create initial clinical assessment |
| Discharge Summary | Create discharge summary (IPD only) |
| Discharge Check List | Complete discharge checklist (IPD only) |
| Diet | Generate diet plan |

### Records Section

Below the cards, the **Patient Records** section shows:
- A **Get Patients Records** button to load all compositions
- An AI-generated summary of patient history (when records are loaded)
- A **Documents** table listing compositions by date, document type, status, and title

## Record Archival

The patient edit form has an **Archive** toggle (True/False). Setting it to **True** hides the patient from default search results — the patient search query filters `archive = false`. The record is retained in the database, not deleted.

New patients default to `archive = false`.

## Merging Duplicate Patients

If duplicate patient records exist, use the merge feature. See [Merging Duplicate Patients](/docs/merging-duplicate-patients) for rules, encounter behavior, accounting, and step-by-step instructions.

## FAQ

**Q: Can I export a patient's complete record?**
A: Use the print function on individual documents. For bulk data export, use the Reports module.

**Q: How long are patient records retained?**
A: Indefinitely, unless explicitly deleted. We recommend archiving rather than deleting for compliance.