Doctor Decoded: The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient
In this video, learn the difference between inpatient and outpatient procedures.
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.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2018). GRAPHIC: Inpatient vs. outpatient surgeries in U.S. hospitals.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Outpatient surgery.
Northwell Health, Peconic Bay Medical Center. (2017). The difference between inpatient and outpatient care.
