Definition
Inpatient care requires admission to a hospital with an overnight stay, while outpatient care allows you to go home the same day. Inpatient care costs significantly more due to room, board, and nursing charges. Many procedures that once required inpatient stays are now performed outpatient.
Related Terms
- Ambulatory Surgery Center
An outpatient facility where surgical procedures that do not require an overnigh...
- Skilled Nursing Facility
A facility that provides skilled medical care and rehabilitation services on a 2...
- Centers of Excellence
Healthcare facilities recognized for their expertise, outcomes, and efficiency i...
- Deductible
The amount you must pay out of pocket for covered healthcare services before you...
- Copay
A fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service after you have met your ...
Understanding healthcare terminology helps you communicate more effectively with providers and make informed decisions about your care. Use our procedure cost database to find fair prices for any medical service.