What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery?

What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery?

A doctor is sitting at a desk talking to a patient.

Patients may learn more about their ailments and possible therapies than ever because of the plethora of online medical resources.


Many people may still be confused by some elements of medical treatment. An example of this is the distinction between inpatient and outpatient treatment. Identifying the difference between the two is crucial, but many patients are unsure what it entails or why it's essential. The duration of a patient's hospital stay and the surgery cost is affected by the care they get, so patients must know the difference.

 

Read on to learn more about exactly what inpatient and outpatient surgery entails.


What Is Inpatient Surgery?

Hospital stays of at least one night are often required for inpatient treatment. In most cases, patients must spend the night in the hospital or other health care facility where they had their surgery. They will be monitored by a nurse, doctor, or another medical professional during this period.

 

Surgeons and anesthesiologists look at several factors to decide whether or not you can have same-day surgery or whether you need to remain in the hospital. Your expected stay in the hospital will depend on the nature of the surgery, the anesthetic used, and your overall health.


What Is Outpatient Surgery?

Patients treated as outpatients seldom need to spend the night in the hospital. When the operation is over, they may go at their convenience. It may be necessary to wait for the effects of the anesthetic to wear off or for problems to be ruled out. However, unless there are life-threatening problems, patients often do not need to be monitored overnight.

 

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and other outpatient facilities are where most medical and surgical procedures are done. Many of these clinics are privately owned and maintained by an individual physician or a small group of doctors; however, others are co-owned or directly associated with the local hospital.


Differences In Postoperative Care Duration

Outpatient Surgery (Ambulatory Surgical Care)

The postoperative care area or post anesthesia care unit (PACU) in inpatient settings is where patients are observed after surgery. Usually, patients remain until they no longer feel nauseous after drinking, can pee, or complete any other actions the surgeon may demand.

 

Patients are required to have a friend or family member remain with them for the duration of the surgery plus an additional 24 hours so that there is no worry about the patient getting home and being safe there. It is standard practice for nurses to check in with patients the next day to provide an update and field any queries they may have.

 

Patients undergoing outpatient surgical operations are still termed outpatients even if they are periodically brought to the hospital for observation due to difficulties.


Inpatient Surgery

In contrast, inpatient surgery is conducted when it is anticipated that the patient will spend one or more nights in the hospital as a result of the surgical treatment. Patients who have inpatient surgery often spend at least one night in the hospital for observation and recovery after their operation. If you need medical attention, the staff at the hospital where you're staying will keep a close eye on you as you get well.

 

All legally required documents, such as a Living Will, Power of Attorney, and an Advanced Directive should be readily available for inpatient surgery patients. It is recommended that they additionally bring their glasses, a change of clothes, or any other supportive medical equipment they may need. Keep your valuables safe at home.

 

Hospital nurses assist patients in following exercise, nutrition, and medication regimens. Nurses discuss home-care instructions including prescriptions, bandages, activity limitations, and mandatory follow-up visits before patients are discharged following an outpatient or inpatient surgery.

 

It is crucial to your recovery that you ask for clarification on any instructions or queries you may have before you return home.


Comfort Differences

Many people find hospitals to be unpleasant places to spend time. Patients may experience pain and poor sleep quality due to unfamiliar beds, hospital noise, lighting, décor, and other factors.

 

Patients can heal in familiar surroundings, close to family and friends, and the things that bring them joy with outpatient surgeries. They may get up and move about on their sofa, chair, or bed, doing whatever makes them happy rather than being in an unfamiliar bed. In addition, they may eat anything they choose instead of being restricted to the hospital's menu.


Cost Difference

The cost of care is a significant distinction between hospitalization and outpatient care. You'll only have to cover the price of testing and treatments if you get care in an outpatient clinic. The expense of a patient's stay in a hospital is considered part of their inpatient care bill.

 

There is a strong financial advantage to medical care in an outpatient clinic instead of a hospital. Patients may save a significant amount of money by recuperating at home instead of staying in a hospital room for observation, which typically requires at least one night's stay. Outpatients may also shop around for the lowest costs on radiology and imaging tests.

 

Patients with comprehensive health coverage may save a lot of money by choosing an outpatient surgery over a hospital stay. Inpatient medical treatment often costs thousands more than outpatient medical care. As a result of these cost-cutting measures, more and more routine medical procedures are being done on an outpatient basis.


Different Forms of Inpatient and Outpatient Care

Inpatient Medical Care Services

Various forms of hospitalization and medical treatment are outlined here:

Advanced surgeries: From heart bypass operations to organ transplants, patients undergoing complex procedures must be monitored closely for an extended period by medical staff.


Health problems of a severe nature: Requiring constant attention and close supervision, patients with significant health problems require the services of medical specialists. Damage to the brain may cause seizures, breathing issues, and coma, all of which are examples of severe medical conditions.


Outpatient Medical Care Services

Outpatients often need the following procedures, tests, and doctor's visits:


Blood tests: Checking levels of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes in the blood are essential for maintaining healthy bodily processes, among other reasons why blood tests are performed.


Urinary tests: Kidney discomfort, Bladder infections, diabetes, and other conditions may all be diagnosed with the help of a urinalysis.

Chemotherapy sessions: Sessions of chemotherapy are necessary for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, but they do not need a hospital stay.


CT scans and Chest X-rays: Tests like chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans help doctors determine the root cause of symptoms, including chest discomfort, irregular heartbeats, and shortness of breath.


Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Doctors

Medical professionals might work either in or out of the hospital. However, some doctors work in both hospitals and private practice locations. Patients may be treated by their outpatient doctors at the clinic during scheduled visits. Outpatient doctors are often found in fields such as:


●     Internal Medicine Specialists

●     Medical Practitioners Specialized in Family Practice

●     Pediatricians

●     Cardiologists

●     Otolaryngologists

●     Dermatologists

 

Many of the above doctors can also treat inpatients. Doctors that specialize in inpatient care visit their patients while they are staying in the hospital. The following are some examples of in-hospital medical doctors:


●     Radiologists

●     Specialists in General Surgery

●     Anesthesiologists

●     Doctors of Emergency Medicine

 

You can count on receiving the highest standard of inpatient and outpatient services at the Franklin Foundation Hospital. To make an appointment today, just reach out to our team!

7 Signs You Should Get a Pulmonary Function Test

October 29, 2026
Most people don't think about it, but changes in your breathing can signal a fundamental health issue. A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a non-invasive test that measures how efficient your lungs are. It will assess the amount of air your lungs can hold and how well they can move that air in and out. PFTs can be used to assess breathing difficulties, to help in the diagnosis of certain lung conditions and to monitor the progression of any existing respiratory disease. Bayou Bend Health System provides a full range of healthcare services to help patients discover potential health problems and take the necessary steps to improve their respiratory health. What is a Pulmonary Function Test? Pulmonary function tests measure various aspects of lung function including lung capacity, airflow and the ability of oxygen to get into the blood. They can be used by the clinician to assess a range of conditions including respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your GP may well recommend a pulmonary function test depending on your symptoms, your medical history, your smoking history and/or other risk factors. Knowing the signs of a possible breathing problem is the first step in getting the right care. 7 Signs You Should Get a Pulmonary Function Test 1. Shortness of Breath If you're finding yourself short of breath on the most mundane of activities (walking, climbing stairs, getting dressed etc) then this could be a sign of a problem with your lung function. If your breathing is any worse than it has been previously then you should discuss with your doctor whether pulmonary function testing would be appropriate. 2. A Persistent Cough A cough that persists for several weeks or keeps coming back may signal asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition. If your cough isn't resolving or occurs with other breathing symptoms, it's worth having a doctor assess it to determine the likely cause. 3. Wheezing or Noisy Breathing Wheezing is a whistling sound which occurs when air is passing through narrowed airways. It can be a feature of asthma, airway inflammation or other lung conditions. Your doctor may recommend pulmonary function testing to assess your airflow and decide whether you require more investigation. 4. Chest Tightness or Discomfort When Breathing Recurrent chest tightness (especially if this is associated with a cough or shortness of breath) may be indicative of an underlying respiratory condition and should be assessed by a doctor. Any sudden or severe chest pain or difficulty breathing needs to be seen by a doctor immediately. 5. Reduced Exercise Tolerance If you're getting winded very easily during exercise or simply can't do the things you used to be able to do then your lungs may not be as good as they used to be. Pulmonary function testing can be used to look at whether a respiratory problem is the cause of this. 6. Frequent Respiratory Problems Recurrent episodes of bronchitis, persistent respiratory symptoms or breathlessness that keeps coming back may be an indication that you need more assessment. Your doctor can decide whether pulmonary function testing would be of any value in identifying an underlying problem. 7. A History of Smoking or Exposure to Lung Irritants Smoking, second hand smoke, workplace chemicals, dust and other airborne irritants can all have an effect on lung health. Anyone with a history of exposure would be well advised to talk to their doctor about their respiratory health and their individual risk factors, particularly if they do develop any symptoms. Take an Active Approach to Lung Health Breathing difficulties should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging or a lack of physical fitness. While these symptoms can have several causes, identifying the underlying issue can help you and your healthcare provider determine the following steps for your care. At Bayou Bend Health System we are all about providing real care and helping our patients make well-informed decisions regarding their health. If you're having ongoing respiratory symptoms or have any concerns at all about your lung function then please talk to your provider about whether a pulmonary function test is appropriate for you.  Take a big step towards better breathing by calling Bayou Bend Health System at (337) 828-0760 to find out more about the services they offer and to make an appointment.

Beyond the Mammogram: A Proactive Guide to Breast Health at Every Age

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A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Blood Tests

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Blood tests are common tools healthcare providers use to understand what is happening inside the body. Whether part of a routine physical, a preventive visit, or an evaluation for a specific concern, blood tests give valuable information about overall health. Seeing a list of numbers and medical terms on a lab report can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics helps patients feel more informed. Bayou Bend Health System offers comprehensive healthcare services and helps patients understand their lab results and what they may mean for their wellness. Why Are Blood Tests Important? Blood tests can provide healthcare providers with information that may not be apparent during a physical examination. They can help monitor overall health, identify likely concerns, and monitor changes over time. Depending on the type of test ordered, blood work may provide information about: • Blood cell counts • Blood sugar levels • Cholesterol and heart health • Kidney and liver function • Electrolyte levels • Nutritional deficiencies • Inflammation or infection • Other indicators of overall health Routine blood tests help healthcare providers spot changes early, so patients can talk over next steps. Understanding a Complete Blood Count (CBC) A complete blood count, or CBC, is a frequently ordered blood test. It measures different types of blood cells and provides information about several aspects of health. A CBC may include measurements of: • Red blood cells that disperse oxygen throughout the body • White blood cells, that fight unwanted infections from spreading • Hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen • Hematocrit, which measures the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells • Platelets, which help with blood clotting A healthcare provider explains what individual results mean based on a patient’s health history and other findings. What Do Blood Sugar Tests Tell You? Blood glucose testing measures blood sugar. These tests screen for or monitor blood sugar conditions, including diabetes. Common blood sugar tests include fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C. An A1C test estimates average blood sugar levels over the previous several months. Understanding blood sugar results helps patients and providers discuss nutrition, physical activity, medications, and other factors supporting healthy glucose levels. Understanding Cholesterol and Lipid Tests Cholesterol testing is a common part of preventive healthcare. A lipid panel measures overall cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These numbers help healthcare providers evaluate cardiovascular risk alongside elements such as age, blood pressure, family history, lifestyle, and existing health conditions. A single cholesterol number doesn't tell the whole story. Your provider can help interpret your results within the context of your overall health. What Does It Mean When a Result Is “High” or “Low”? Seeing a result marked high or low can cause concern. However, a result outside the reference range does not automatically mean something is wrong. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, test, and individual factors. Providers consider the complete picture—including symptoms, medical history, medications, and other test results—when interpreting laboratory findings. Patients should avoid self-diagnosing based on individual numbers. Instead, discuss questions or unexpected results with a qualified healthcare professional. Take an Active Role in Your Health Understanding your blood tests can make healthcare visits less confusing and help you have more productive conversations with your provider. If you receive lab results you don't understand, ask questions and ask for an explanation of what the numbers mean for your health. At Bayou Bend Health System, our healthcare professionals are committed to helping patients understand their health and help make informed decisions about their care. Whether you need routine blood work, preventive care, or help understanding your lab results, our team is here to help.  Schedule an appointment today by calling (337) 828-0760 and take an important step toward gaining insight and managing your health.