Updating patient details

Patient information may change over time—phone numbers, addresses, or emergency contacts need updating. You can modify any patient detail at any time, and Usystems keeps a record of all their visits and medical history intact.

Before you start

• The patient must already be registered in the system
• You have Contacts permission (usually assigned to front-desk or administrative staff)
• The patient record should be open or you know how to search for it

Steps

1. Go to Contacts → Patients
   Open in Usystems

2. Search for and click on the patient you want to update
   (Use their code, name, or phone number in the search field)

3. Click the Edit button on the patient record

4. Update any of the following fields as needed:

   • Name (full name as the patient is known)
   • Date of Birth or Age
   • Email and Phone
   • Address (residential or mailing address)
   • Emergency Contact name and phone number

5. Click Save

The patient's information is now updated, and all future documents will use the new details.

Important notes

• Medical history unchanged: Updating a patient's information does not affect past appointments, diagnoses, or prescriptions. All medical records remain linked to this patient.
• Address for billing: If the patient's address changes, it will appear on future invoices and statements automatically.
• Name corrections: If a name was entered incorrectly at registration, you can correct it now. This is especially important for patient safety.
• Phone number updates: When a phone number changes, appointment reminders and urgent notifications will go to the new number.

Tips & common mistakes

• Check spelling: Before saving, verify that names and addresses are spelled correctly to avoid confusion in letters and invoices.
• Emergency contact is critical: Update this field whenever a patient provides new next-of-kin information.
• Duplicate entries: If you accidentally created two records for the same patient, contact an administrator; patient records cannot be merged manually.
• Access control: Only staff with Contacts permission can edit patient information. If you cannot edit, check your role or permissions.