Did you know that the percentage of the United States population that required overnight stays at the hospital is over 7 percent?
When you need to visit a hospital for a medical issue there are two types of patient care: inpatient vs. outpatient. The biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient care is if the patient stays at the facility overnight.
There are a lot of other important differences when it comes to outpatient vs. inpatient.
Continue reading to learn more about the differences between outpatient and inpatient care.
What Is Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care?
As a patient, you might be wondering what is the difference between outpatient and inpatient care. They are the two main types of care provided by medical facilities.
Knowing the difference between the two helps you to choose a health plan that best suits your situation and needs.
The main difference between getting medical treatment at an outpatient facility like the Cenikor Outpatient Rehabilitation service is that outpatient facilities don’t require you to stay overnight.
If you don’t need to be hospitalized after your medical procedure then outpatient care is what is best for you. For major medical issues and surgeries, inpatient care is usually recommended.
What Is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient care has you under the supervision and care of a team of nurses and doctors within a hospital or medical facility. When you’re an inpatient you are typically admitted to a certain service.
Some common inpatient services are Neurology, Orthopedics, Cardiology, or General Surgery. The service all depends on what you need treatment for.
Inpatient facilities exist for all manner of medical issues. There are inpatient facilities for substance abuse and mental health. There are also facilities for illness, surgery, childbirth, and injury.
Some inpatients are planned ahead of time like a hip replacement or childbirth. Others come as a result of an accident that requires medical attention overnight.
Once you’re cleared by a doctor to leave you’ll be discharged from the facility and good to go home. At that time you’ll receive instructions for self-care as well as when to follow up with doctors on your medical status.
What Is Outpatient Care?
Outpatient care covers a wide variety of medical treatments. These treatments don’t require an overnight stay at the hospital or medical facility. Anything more than a check-up but less than a procedure that requires an overnight stay is categorized as outpatient care.
Some common examples of outpatient care are diagnostic tests, treatments, and other types of procedures. Minor surgeries like wisdom teeth extraction are often outpatient procedures as well.
Outpatient care can occur at a hospital as well as a walk-in clinic. Doctor’s offices and outpatient surgery centers are also common locations for outpatient procedures.
Get Your Medical Care Today
Knowing the difference between inpatient vs. outpatient care is vital. It will help when choosing the best healthcare plan for you and your family. It is important to know what the procedure will entail before it happens.
Outpatient care will allow you to go home the same day of your procedure. Inpatient care will require at least one night at a medical facility for observation and care.
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