Doctor Decoded: The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient

Surgeries and medical treatments are placed into two categories: inpatient and outpatient. One difference between inpatient and outpatient is the time spent in the hospital after the procedure is done.

Inpatient care means you’ll be spending at least one night in the hospital after your procedure. Your care team will monitor as you heal, and send you on your way when they think you’re ready. Lung and heart surgeries, and childbirth are often inpatient surgeries.

Outpatient (or ambulatory) care means that you’re in and out the same day. These surgeries are usually less invasive than inpatient procedures. Ear, eye, mouth, nose, and throat surgeries are often outpatient procedures.

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Written by:

Brittany Doohan

Brittany Doohan was the Content Director at HealthiNation and is currently the Editorial Director at Medscape. Through her work with Medscape, she won a Silver Telly Award in May 2022 for "Sleepless Nation: A Public Health Epidemic — Episode 2: A Decade Without a Diagnosis." She has worked in health journalism and video production for more than 8 years, and loves the challenge of explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand and creative way.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Dr. Schwarz is board eligible Sleep Medicine and board certified Family Medicine physician. She is a member of the AASM and ABFM.

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