IPD

This glossary explains the meaning of IPD (In-Patient Department) in hospitals, what it means in medical terms, how it works, and how it differs from OPD. You’ll also find an IPD vs OPD comparison table and a quick link to explore the difference in detail.

Meaning of IPD

IPD full form: In-Patient Department.
In hospitals, IPD refers to the section where patients are admitted for treatments or surgeries that require overnight stays or long-term medical supervision. It plays a crucial role in providing continuous care for serious illnesses, post-surgery recovery, or emergency medical attention.

What is IPD in a hospital?

• The In-Patient Department (IPD) provides 24/7 care, including hospital beds, nursing, meals, and medical monitoring.
  
• It caters to patients needing major surgeries, maternity care, chronic illness treatment, or emergency interventions.
  
• Admission to IPD usually happens after an OPD (Out-Patient Department) doctor recommends hospitalization.
  
• Treatment includes diagnostics, medications, and observation until the doctor deems the patient fit for discharge.

What services are provided under IPD?

The In-Patient Department provides 24x7 medical support for patients who require continuous monitoring and care. Services typically include:

• Hospital room and bed facilities
• Nursing and round-the-clock medical attention
• Surgical procedures and operation theatre access
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services
• Diagnostic and laboratory tests
• Medication, meals, and follow-up care

These services ensure complete medical support from admission to discharge.

IPD vs OPD comparison

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For a detailed comparison, see the difference between OPD and IPD.

How IPD works?

The In-Patient Department (IPD) process begins when a doctor determines that a patient’s condition requires hospital admission for observation, surgery, or intensive treatment. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:

1. Doctor’s recommendation

The IPD journey usually starts after a consultation in the OPD (Out-Patient Department). If the doctor believes the patient needs continuous monitoring, surgery, or advanced treatment, they issue an admission recommendation.

2. Pre-admission and documentation

The hospital staff assists the patient or family with registration and pre-admission formalities.
This includes:

• Submitting doctor’s recommendation or admission note
• Providing ID proof and group health insurance details
• Completing consent forms for treatment and hospitalization

If the patient is covered under group health insurance, the HR or insurer’s TPA (Third Party Administrator) may initiate a cashless approval for IPD admission.

3. Admission and room allocation

Once approved, the patient is admitted to a hospital room or ward based on the treatment type and insurance room eligibility.

4. Diagnosis and treatment

During hospitalization, the patient receives:

• Continuous medical supervision by doctors and nurses
• Diagnostic tests (blood tests, scans, X-rays, etc.)
• Medications and IV fluids
• Therapies or surgeries as prescribed
• Meals and nursing support according to medical requirements

5. Billing and insurance coordination

Throughout the stay, the hospital billing team coordinates with the insurer or TPA for cashless claim processing.
All charges including room rent, tests,  and doctor fees  are added to the IPD bill.

6. Discharge planning

Once the patient is declared fit for discharge:

• The doctor issues a discharge summary with treatment details
• Final bill settlement is done (cashless or reimbursement)
• The patient or family receives post-discharge care instructions and prescriptions for medications or follow-up visits

7. Post-hospitalization care

After discharge, post-hospitalization expenses like follow-up tests, medicines, or physiotherapy (usually up to 30–60 days) may be covered under group health insurance, depending on policy terms.