Difference between IPD and OPD
INTRODUCTION
IPD stands for the inpatient department, whereas OPD is the complete form of the outpatient department. A patient is not required to be admitted to a hospital in the outpatient department (OPD), but they must be for at least 24 hours in the inpatient department.
There is a difference in terms of price. The cost of IPD is somewhat higher than that of OPD. In OPD, hospital or clinic visits may be more frequent, whereas, in IPD, patients are often discharged only when they are medically fit to do so.
In-Patient Department (IPD) vs. Out-Patient Department (OPD) Difference (OPD)
There are significant distinctions between the two types of treatment, in-patient and outpatient departments. What OPD and IPD stand for is already known to you. A patient must have spent more than 24 hours being admitted to a hospital in order to receive IPD treatment.
On the other hand, the patient need not be admitted for more than 24 hours in the event of OPD. If a patient needs medical attention, they would first go to the Out-Patient Department department of the hospital.
Only if the doctor requests it will a patient be admitted for IPD. The biggest distinction between IPD and OPD may be this. In addition, consultations, dental procedures, minor surgeries, and ocular procedures are also covered under OPD care. On the other hand, receiving IPD treatment indicates that your illness is severe enough to necessitate hospitalisation.
This covers, among other things, complicated and large procedures, births, serious illnesses that require constant monitoring, and rehabilitation services. Inferring from this, it may be said that you are aware of the distinction between an outpatient department and an inpatient department.
In addition to them, your likelihood of receiving OPD treatment at a hospital is significantly higher than that of IPD. In any event, having enough coverage is helpful since it will guarantee that you, your loved ones, and anybody else you care about receive the care they require when they need it. These policies cover IPD treatment, however, OPD is frequently optional.
OPD Expenses Cover in Health Insurance
A new benefit included in health insurance policies from companies like Apollo Munich, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, and Cigna TTK is called OPD, or Out Patient Department cover.
The majority of health insurance companies only pay for inpatient costs, which restricts the area of coverage for outpatient department costs.
These costs include copays for medical visits, physicals, pharmacy charges, dental work, diagnostic exams, etc.
Coverage under OPD
OPD coverage from health insurance policies enables the insured to file claims for costs other than those incurred during hospitalisation.
Tax exemptions are available to policyholders for the premiums paid for certain health insurance plans.
For claims, there is no Tax Deductible at Source (TDS).
The insured may submit multiple claims for reimbursement of expenses during the term of the policy under the majority of health insurance plans that include OPD coverage. The vast number of services offered by outpatient health services results in a higher volume of transactions. Because of this, a health insurance policy with OPD coverage has a higher financial value than a standard health insurance policy.
This policy also pays for pharmacy expenses, helping people with higher costs associated with the same. Conventional health insurance policies base their claims and sum-assured calculations on a 24-hour hospital stay. The OPD Cover’s sum assured is determined by the insured’s age.
Within 90 days of acquiring the health insurance policy, OPD charges may be claimed.
Coverage under IPD
The cost of inpatient care may include room rental, ICU costs, operating room fees, doctor fees, nursing fees, anaesthesia, and more.
As a result, the insurance provider offers a sizable cover/limit in the case of inpatient hospitalisation, which will pay back a variety of costs paid for the purpose of treatment.
Typically, the insurer’s network of hospitals offers cashless services. It is imperative to get a complete health cover that will cover the expense of hospitalisation and treatment due to the increase in medical prices.
Also Read:- https://dmicc.in/the-top-5-icu-hospitals-in-jaipur-for-critical-care-or-regular-treatment/
Claim Resolution Procedure for OPD & IPD
Here are two different procedures for filing an OPD & IPD expenditure claim.
- Reimbursement Claims: After completing OPD treatment, log into your account and upload all necessary bills and documentation.
- Cashless Claims: By presenting your e-health card and requesting to start the cashless claim, you can receive OPD care at any of the network hospitals or Day Care facilities.
Conclusion
In hospitals, there is a clear distinction between OPD and IPD. Both are essential for providing patient care. Make sure that whatever systems you employ to oversee OPD and IPD have the power to revolutionise your critical care hospital. You will be able to serve more patients as a result, even in difficult times like COVID-19.
