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

# Patient intake

> Get intake done before the provider walks in.

Every patient visit has an intake panel. It shows **Not started**, **In progress** or **Complete**, and the patient's answers appear there once they finish.

## Send or hand over the intake form

> [tab] iPhone and iPad
>
> Open the visit from **Schedule**, then choose:
>
> | Option | When to use it |
> | - | - |
> | **Open intake form** | The patient is in the office. Opens the form on this device so you can hand them the clinic iPad. |
> | The QR code | The patient uses their own phone. Tap the code to enlarge it, and they scan it. |
> | **Send email** | The patient is at home. You'll see **Secure email sent**. |
> | **Copy link** | To send the link another way. You'll see **Link copied**. |

> [tab] Web
>
> Open the visit and go to the **Intake** tab. Click **Send email**, or **Copy link** to share it another way.
>
> From the schedule's side panel you can also **Generate link**, **Open link**, **Copy link** or make a **New link**. The panel shows how long the current link stays active.
>
> The QR code is only in the iPhone and iPad app.

Sending by email needs an email address on the patient's record and your practice's schedule time zone set.

## How long links last

An intake link works for 24 hours after it's created. Once the patient opens it, they have 3 hours to finish.

If a link has expired, the patient sees a **Send me a new link** button. It emails a fresh link to the address on file.

## What the patient sees

A short check-in that takes about 3 minutes. They confirm their details, answer your questions (by typing, or by tapping **Tap to speak**), review their answers and tap **Send to care team**.

If your practice checks insurance, they'll also be asked for photos of their ID and insurance card.

## Change the questions

Go to **Settings** → **Intake Forms**. Click **Add question** to add one, then **Save**.

## Paper or outside forms

An uploaded paper form can stand in for intake. The visit shows **Outside intake**. Tap **Open source form** to see it.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.