Essentials: CHI Number

What is a CHI Number?

The Community Health Index (or CHI) is a register for all NHS Scotland patients. A CHI number identifies a person on the register so their necessary health information is available to relevant medical care givers. 

Your CHI number is a unique code made up of 10 numbers. Everyone gets one when they are first registered with NHS Scotland, so you probably already have one. When you receive a letter from NHS Scotland, your number will be at the top of your letter, usually underneath your address or above your name.

Write your number down somewhere safe so you can find it easily. Pop it in your notes on your phone if you think you'll pieces of paper easily! Only people who work with NHS Scotland (or your social worker) should ask for this number, so only share it when speaking to an official member of NHS staff. 

If you don’t know and can’t find your CHI number, don’t worry, NHS Scotland will have your number and you'll be able to retrieve it when you go for an appointment with your GP or at a hospital.