Inpatient and outpatient care refer to the type of medical care a patient receives and where they receive it. Inpatient care is provided in a hospital or other type of inpatient facility, where the patient is admitted and spends at least one night, sometimes more, depending on their condition. The patient is under the care of doctors, nurses, and other types of healthcare professionals within the hospital and is often admitted to a particular service, such as Neurology, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology, General Surgery, etc., depending on what they are being treated for. Inpatient care is required for intensive care, around-the-clock care, major surgery, and treatment for a serious illness.

Outpatient care, on the other hand, is the kind of care that does not require an overnight stay in a hospital. It can vary greatly and may include diagnostic tests, treatments, or other types of procedures. Outpatient care may be provided in a hospital, as well as a walk-in clinic, an outpatient surgery center, and even a doctor’s office. Patients who receive outpatient care return home the same day. Outpatient care is required for minor surgeries, procedures, medical screenings, and treatments that do not require overnight stays or hospitalization.

The following are some key differences between inpatient and outpatient care:

Inpatient Care

• Provided in a hospital or other type of inpatient facility
• Requires an overnight stay
• Patients are under the care of doctors, nurses, and other types of healthcare professionals within the hospital
• Required for intensive care, around-the-clock care, major surgery, and treatment for a serious illness

Outpatient Care

• Does not require an overnight stay
• Patients receive care in a hospital, walk-in clinic, outpatient surgery center, or doctor’s office
• Required for minor surgeries, procedures, medical screenings, and treatments that do not require overnight stays or hospitalization

Whether a patient needs inpatient or outpatient care is often determined by the type of care they require. The severity of an illness or condition determines whether or not a patient can be called an inpatient. Medicare Part A covers hospital inpatient services, while Medicare Part B covers most physician inpatient services. Medicare Part B covers outpatient hospital and physician services[[3]](https://www.ecrmc.org/for-patients/inpatient-vs...