When treatment is available outside, not inside the hospital
A few years ago, if someone had to undergo an operation or treatment, it was not possible without being admitted to the hospital. Whether it was a small operation or a test was needed, the patient had to stay in the hospital for a day or two. But now this picture is slowly changing.
Now many big and small treatments, surgeries and checkups are being done through Outpatient Services, that is, without being admitted to the hospital.
Outpatient means – the treatment or procedure in which the patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day and he does not need to stay there overnight.
This change is not only becoming easier for the patients, but is also having a deep impact on the functioning, income and facilities of the hospital.
1. Why is the emphasis on outpatient services increasing?
In today’s era, people want to get treatment quickly, at a low cost and in a convenient manner. The Outpatient system fulfills this need.
What all comes under Outpatient?
- Blood test, X-ray, MRI, CT scan
- Minor surgeries like cataract, laparoscopic procedure
- Regular medical services like chemotherapy, dialysis
- Physiotherapy and counseling sessions
Example:
Earlier, the patient had to stay in the hospital for 3–4 days for knee surgery. Now due to advanced technology and better equipment, the same surgery is done in a few hours in the Outpatient setting and the patient goes home the same day.
This also gives relief to the patient and reduces the crowd in the hospital.
2. What is its effect on the income of the hospital?
Outpatient services are cheaper and the patient does not need a bed or room for many days. This directly affects the income of the hospital.
Inpatient vs Outpatient:
- Inpatient means patient admission – in this the hospital gets many bills like room rent, food, nursing charges.
- Outpatient – the patient gets treatment in a day and leaves, which reduces the income of the hospital.
Financial challenges:
- Many insurance companies give less refund for outpatient treatment.
- Hospitals have to adopt new financial planning models to cover more patients.
That is why now hospitals are making strategies on how to earn good profits in outpatient services as well.
3. Patient experience is getting better now
If seen from the patient’s point of view, the Outpatient model has benefited them in many ways.
What are the benefits?
- Less waiting time – appointment is available quickly
- Flexible timing – patient can choose the time as per his convenience
- Low risk of infection – By not spending much time in the hospital, the patient is at a lower risk of hospital-acquired infection
Example:
An elderly person does not have to go to the hospital again and again for regular BP checkup. Now he gets the checkup done in 10 minutes at the nearby Outpatient Center and comes home.
Outpatient model has balanced time and convenience with health.
4. Changes in rules and ways of working
Due to the increasing demand for outpatient services, now governments and medical authorities are also changing their rules and reimbursement policies.
What changes are happening?
- The prices of procedures are now being reduced
- Insurance companies are bringing new packages that cover outpatient treatment as well
- Doctors and staff are being trained in new ways so that treatment can be done without hospitalization
Hospitals have to change their working style so that they can keep pace with this new trend.
5. What are the challenges facing hospitals?
With change, some new challenges also come. Hospitals have to prepare themselves to adopt the outpatient model.
Main challenges:
- Need for new building and infrastructure – separate outpatient centers have to be built
- Technical investment – devices and software have to be purchased for monitoring and data tracking
- Training – staff has to be taught new equipment and technology
- Competition – nowadays many private clinics, diagnostic centers and urgent care clinics are also providing outpatient services, due to which hospitals are facing tough competition
If hospitals solve these challenges wisely, then they can provide better and profitable services.
6. Future direction – Increasing impact of outpatient model
Given the changing technology and convenience of people, it is certain that the outpatient system will become more popular in the future.
Why?
- Technology – With the help of telemedicine, mobile health apps, wearable devices, the need for the patient to go to the hospital will be reduced
- People’s thinking – Now people do not want to stay in the hospital for a long time, they want quick treatment
- Affordable treatment – Outpatient services are less expensive, so even a common man can afford it
Future prospects:
- Hospitals can open their outpatient clinics in small towns
- Hospitals and private clinics can partner together so that the patient gets more facilities
- Government schemes can also bring new policies in this direction so that treatment becomes more accessible
Conclusion: The world of treatment is changing – and this change is in favor of patients
Outpatient services have made treatment easier, cheaper and less complicated. This gives quick relief to the patient, doctors can see more patients and hospitals can manage their services better.
Benefits in brief:
- Treatment is faster and Convenience
- Less crowd in the hospital
- Less risk of infection
- Affordable and accessible health services
- Patients save time
Although there are some challenges in this change, but if the hospital and the government work together in a planned manner, then the healthcare system in India can become even stronger.
