OSHCstudents- With the abundance of healthcare information and resources available today, many patients take action to stay educated about conditions and treatments. Still, aspects of medical care may cause confusion for many patients. The difference between inpatient and outpatient care is often misunderstood. Many patients wonder what the difference is and why it is essential to recognize the distinction between them.
See more:
What is Inpatient?
Inpatient refers to medical services or treatment received in a hospital where you are admitted to stay overnight or where you have been admitted to be treated as a same-day patient.
Some of the most expensive inpatient conditions include:
- Septicemia (bloodstream infection)
- Osteoarthritis
- Newborn births and care
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Spondylopathies (disorders of the vertebrae)
- Respiratory failure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Pneumonia
- Hip fracture
- Complications from surgery or medical care
What is Outpatient?
Outpatient refers to medical services or treatment received where you have not been admitted to stay overnight or admitted for treatment as a same-day patient.
Some common types of outpatient care include:
- Bloodwork and other lab tests
- MRIs, X-Rays, or any other types of imaging
- Mammograms
- Chemotherapy/radiation treatment
- Consultations with a specialist physician
- Emergency care that doesn’t require hospitalization
What are the costs for outpatient vs. inpatient?
The costs for inpatient care can add up. In addition to the cost of the treatment or surgery you’re getting, there are many other costs associated with being cared for in a hospital, including:
- Administrative costs
- Pharmacy costs
- Lab tests
- Costs for nurses, radiologists, technicians, and specialists
- Equipment and supplies that contribute to your care while you’re there
And more
The costs for outpatient care are typically considerably less than inpatient care.
You often have some control over the costs too. For example, costs for diagnostic radiology and imaging can vary greatly, so shop around for things like MRIs, PET, and CT scans to see how you can best keep your cost low. When it comes to needing unplanned medical care, understanding the difference between urgent care and the ER can ensure you don’t pay more than you need to.
Does OSHC cover the costs for inpatient and outpatient?
OSHC includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover, and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). OSHC insurers can provide a range of different OSHC products. These may range from a basic product that covers only the compulsory minimum services to comprehensive products which cover, in addition to the compulsory minimum services, extra services as specified under the particular policy.
You are international students, foreigners arrive to Australia and Australian citizens traveling abroad are looking at OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact OSHCstudents Team at email: info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
OSHCstudents (source: ciga healthcare)
