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

# Start a visit

> Start a walk-in visit from the client record in Sigma HMIS Front Desk, or begin one from a confirmed appointment or an incoming referral.

Start a visit in Front Desk when the client arrives. The visit is what charges, invoices, and claims attach to, so open one before care begins.

## Start a walk-in visit

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the client">
    Open the client from **Clients** and choose **Start visit**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the department">
    The department is required. If the clinic has only one, it is selected for you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the consultation service">
    The consultation service is optional. If the department has only one, it is selected for you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose how the visit is paid">
    Payment is the client's primary insurance scheme or cash.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Start the visit. It appears under **Active visits**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Other ways to start a visit

* **From an appointment**: start the visit from a confirmed appointment when the client arrives.
* **From a referral**: start the visit from **Incoming referrals**.

<Warning>
  Do not start a second visit when one is already open for the client. Check **Active visits** first.
</Warning>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Active visits" icon="list-check" href="/workflows/active-visits">
    Find, close, or reopen open visits.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Visit to invoice" icon="route" href="/workflows/patient-visit-to-invoice">
    Continue from the visit to a confirmed invoice.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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