Generally, a lease involves an inquiry, but not a new account reporting. A new phone involves an inq, and it may or may not show up as an account as well.
I don't think that you should be trashed for this. Maybe 10 points? (kinda picking a number out of the air here.)
This would be one of the uses of credit, though.
I hope your health recovers soon and that things work out for you!
* Credit is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. * Who's the boss --you or your credit?
FICO's: EQ 781 - TU 793 - EX 779 (from PSECU) - Done credit hunting; having fun with credit gardening. - EQ 590 on 5/14/2007