Accessing Old Patients

Overview

As your patient database grows, efficiently finding existing patient records becomes essential. Indian names often have multiple spelling variations, so NICE HMS provides flexible search options.

Method 1: Direct ID Lookup

If you know the patient's ID:

1. Enter the ID in the search bar at the top of the screen (logged-in state).
2. Press Enter.
3. The system redirects to the patient management page for that patient.

The patient ID is printed on previous prescriptions, bills, and registration slips.

Method 2: Search Without ID

1. Log in and click Patient from the sidebar.
2. Under the Patient section, click Search | Edit | Archive Patient.
3. Use the search form:

4. Click Search.
5. Click the patient's ID from the results table to open their management page.

Archiving a Patient

Patients cannot be deleted through the UI — the sidebar says "Delete" but only archiving is available. To archive a patient:

1. Search and find the patient using the methods above.
2. Open the patient and click Edit Patient Details.
3. In the "Patient Demography" section, set Archive to True.
4. Click Submit.

Archived patients are hidden from normal search results but retained for compliance. There is no archive filter in the search UI — to access an archived patient, you need their direct UHID.

Best Practice

Always record the correct mobile number. It is the most reliable lookup field. Mobile numbers are unique, don't have spelling variations, and serve double duty for WhatsApp communication and ABDM OTP verification.

From the Patient Management Page

Once you've opened the patient record, you can:

• Start a new OPD registration
• View visit history (past encounters, prescriptions, bills)
• Edit patient demographics
• Link/unlink ABHA Health ID
• Access IPD records (if the patient has been admitted)

FAQ

Q: Can I delete a patient record? A: No. Patient records cannot be deleted. To hide a patient from normal views, archive them — edit the patient, set Archive to true, and submit. Archived records are retained for compliance.

Q: What if I find duplicate patient records? A: Use the merge feature (Admin access required). See Merging Duplicate Patients.