The difference between inpatient and outpatient care
Healthcare can sometimes feel like a maze of terms and choices. One critical decision is understanding the difference between inpatient and outpatient care. Let's break it down.
In-depth exploration of inpatient & outpatient care
When we talk about inpatient care, we mean those hospital stays where you have to stay for more than a day. It's for situations that need a more extended and closer look, often involving major surgeries or treatments or more unstable health conditions.
Inpatient surgical procedures and conditions requiring at least an overnight hospital stay can include:
- stroke
- childbirth
- heart attack
- respiratory failure
- hip fracture
- septicemia
- orthopaedic surgeries
- rehabilitation therapy
- cardiac surgeries.
In contrast, outpatient care is like a medical pitstop – you're in and out on the same day, usually for routine check-ups or minor procedures. This is usually the go-to type of treatment for Malaysians. In fact, 43%, or RM9.88 billion, of out-of-pocket spending on healthcare in 2020 was spent on outpatient services.
Certain procedures, tests, and minor surgeries can be handled in an outpatient setting, allowing you to go home the same day. These are scheduled to take place in a doctor’s office or hospital and are not considered medical emergencies. Some of the more common outpatient procedures and tests include:
- Laboratory procedures: Conducting blood tests and obtaining tissue samples
- Imaging services: Performing scans, including MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, and bone density tests
- Cancer treatments: Administering chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Health screenings: Undertaking preventive tests like colonoscopy, endoscopy, and mammograms
- Minor emergency care: Providing services for stitching wounds and treating simple fractures
For minor surgeries, outpatient options may include but are not limited to:
- hernia repair
- tonsillectomy
- gallbladder removal
- ear, nose, and throat surgeries
- cataract and eye surgeries
- minor orthopaedic procedures
- certain cosmetic procedures
Aspect / type | Inpatient | Outpatient |
Aspect / type | Inpatient | Outpatient |
Length Of Stay | Days Or Weeks | Same-Day Visits |
Medical Services |
|
|
Cost | Generally more expensive. Treatment costs may consist of (but not limited to):
| Usually more cost-effective. Treatment costs may consist of (but not limited to):
|
Examples of illnesses | Critical illnesses & major surgeries such as (but not limited to):
| Minor treatments & surgeries such as (but not limited to):
|
Summary of differences between inpatient & outpatient care.
Choosing your treatment and healthcare needs
Choosing between inpatient and outpatient care isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. Different factors come into play. Sometimes it's about the severity of the condition and the urgency of the treatment, and other times it’s about financial considerations.
As an outpatient, you or your insurance/takaful provider in Malaysia will be billed for doctor’s fees and the cost of the procedure or test. Meanwhile, inpatient care is significantly more expensive, as it depends on the length of hospital stay and the specific professionals and treatments involved.
While cost is a factor, it shouldn't overshadow what's medically necessary. Confused? Don’t stress about it! Healthcare professionals often guide these decisions, ensuring the best outcomes for patients.
Financial protection or a takaful medical card like FWD's Medical Care+ can be really helpful in mitigating these costs. It's a safety net for both inpatient and outpatient care.
Get coverage for both inpatient & outpatient costs with FWD’s Medical Care+; inpatient benefits include (but are not limited to) intensive care unit (max 90 days per year), hospital supplies & services, and operating theatre fees, while outpatient benefits include (but are not limited to) pre-hospitalisation diagnostic tests & specialist consultations (within 60 days before hospitalisation), day surgery/ day care procedures, and outpatient cancer treatment.
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