Author: James Anderson

Inpatient vs Outpatient Medical Care: Differences, Procedures, More

Inpatient hospital care is usually reserved for more major surgeries or less stable health conditions. The main difference between outpatient and inpatient surgeries and medical care is whether or not you need to stay overnight. Outpatient care does not require overnight hospitalization while inpatient care does. In general, inpatient vs. outpatient care depends on how long you need to be in a hospital or clinic.

Outpatient procedures are handled on the same day, while inpatient procedures require overnight or longer hospital stays. Outpatient mental health care may include different types of virtual or in-person therapy (like talk therapy) and/or medication. App-based mental health support is another option that has been gaining popularity. Most doctors can treat you in either an inpatient or outpatient setting.

How Do I Know If I Need to Go to an Inpatient Rehab?

Each day, you will be given a schedule of treatment activities, appointments and services tailored to meet your specific recovery needs and goals. Learn more about what happens during a typical day of inpatient addiction treatment. But if you stay overnight in the hospital under observation status, Medicare still considers you an outpatient and will not cover care in a skilled nursing facility. It can certainly be confusing, so don’t be afraid to ask the medical team about your status. More than ever, patients are engaged in their medical care, which is encouraging when you consider most medical school mission statements emphasize patient communication and education. It’s also worth noting that research shows providers are able to drive positive patient outcomes using a teach-back method that involves caring and clear language.

Inpatient vs. outpatient: Distinguishing the differences in care

Brain-stimulation treatments are sometimes used for depression and other mental health disorders. They’re generally reserved for situations in which medications and psychotherapy haven’t worked. They include electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation. Many physicians also divide their time between inpatient and outpatient services. OB/GYNs, for example, provide inpatient care when delivering babies and outpatient care when consulting with pregnant women during prenatal checkups. You’re probably starting to get a sense of the varying circumstances that fit under each category.

Understanding the differences between inpatient vs outpatient care

1. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.
2. There are also significant cost differences between inpatient and outpatient procedures.
3. Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs may also cover costs of inpatient drug rehab.
4. Through therapy and educational sessions, individuals learn how to manage stress, handle triggers, and navigate life without resorting to substance use.
5. In some cases, it’s obvious that the treatment is outpatient, because the patient comes and goes on the same day, such as a trip to the hospital’s emergency room for a couple stitches.
6. These include detox, therapy, medication, workshops, and relapse prevention.

Another factor to consider in choosing between an inpatient and outpatient rehab center is whether you have a healthy and supportive home environment where your recovery will be a priority. Otherwise, a residential treatment program can provide you with that essential sense of community and mutual support. Outpatient care is usually any non-emergency surgery or medical procedure that does not require overnight hospitalization. Minor surgeries and procedures can be handled in an outpatient setting. Outpatient treatment is usually less expensive and less invasive than inpatient treatment. Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs may also cover costs of inpatient drug rehab.

People can share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Your primary care provider will help you navigate your care options so you can make an informed decision. Please contact Medicare.gov or Medicare to get information on all options available. By shopping with third-party insurance agencies, you may be contacted by a licensed insurance agent from an independent agency that is not connected with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program.

What is inpatient drug and alcohol treatment?

Yet even well-informed individuals lack some knowledge, such as the distinction between inpatient versus outpatient care. Inpatient care is any medical treatment that requires you to stay overnight or longer in a hospital setting. In an inpatient setting, you’re under continuous observation by hospital staff. Inpatient mental health care can include hospitalization or admission to a mental health facility where there’s access to medical evaluations, therapies and/or constant care. These allow residents to pay only what they can afford based on their income. The center may also offer payment plan options that allow participants to pay for treatment over time at low or no interest.

This is generally recommended when you can’t care for yourself properly or when you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else. There are many types of psychotherapy, each with its own approach to improving your mental well-being. Psychotherapy often can be successfully completed in a few months, but in some cases, long-term treatment may be needed.

Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab: Definition, Treatment Options and More

For both private and government plans, coverage varies based on the plan terms, such as out-of-pocket maximums and relevant copays. Treatment for substance use disorders comes in many formats, serving as a way to meet people where they are. And for many, the recovery journey begins with more intensive care in the form of inpatient drug rehab. You will also want to consider what’s best for your overall mental health needs. Most patients who come to Hazelden Betty Ford for inpatient rehab also struggle with a co-occurring mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s really helpful (and most effective in the long-term) to address all of your challenges in an integrated and holistic way during addiction treatment.

Psychiatric medications can also help make other treatments, such as psychotherapy, more effective. The best medications for you will depend on your particular situation and how your body responds to the medication. Once the inpatient rehab stay is complete, it is common for folks to then be referred to outpatient rehab. Depending on the circumstances, one may be referred to a sober living house while participating in outpatient programming. As such, ensuring the individual has access to care constantly is incredibly important. The withdrawal period typically lasts between 3 to 7 days, depending on the substance.