What is the Full Form of IPD?

What is IPD in a Hospital?

IPD, or In-patient Department, is a section of the hospital where patients are admitted overnight or longer to undergo treatments and surgeries that require continuous monitoring. It helps doctors to manage serious illnesses and complex health conditions that cannot be done on an outpatient basis. Doctors may suggest IPD care to a patient in case of a major illness, severe burns, traumatic injury, chronic diseases, mental health conditions, etc.

In the case of IPD, patients are under the care of experienced doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. They are also provided with a bed, medications, lab facilities and meals, in addition to treatment/surgeries, during IPD hospitalisation.

What Services are Provided Under IPD?

The IPD care in a hospital provides the following services:

• Medical treatments
• Surgical procedures, like knee replacement surgeries
• Specialised care in the ICU or Intensive Care Unit
• Diagnostic tests
• Nursing care
• 24*7 monitoring
• Emergency medicare
• Medication
• Rehabilitation

What Does IPD Work in a Hospital?

Here is how IPD works in a hospital:

Step 1: Hospital Admission Initiation

The patient initiates a hospital admission following an OPD visit and the recommendation of the doctor by visiting the hospital.

Step 2: Registration and Documentation

The patient's personal details, like name, age, etc., and medical history are recorded for registration at the hospital admission desk. Moreover, all the requested documents, such as identification and health insurance details, are submitted along with an advance payment.

Step 3: Hospital Room or Bed Allotment

A hospital room or bed is allocated to the patient on the basis of availability, room category eligibility and health needs.

Step 4: Consent Forms

The patient or their family members sign the consent form permitting doctors to perform the surgery or treatment.

Step 5: Initial Health Assessment

Nurses conduct an initial health assessment and check-up of the patient, where they may undergo multiple medical tests.

Step 6: Treatment and Continuous Care

The patient undergoes the treatment or surgery and is continuously monitored by the hospital staff. The nurses ensure timely medication of the patient.

Step 7: Hospital Discharge

Once the patient has recovered enough not to need constant monitoring, they are discharged from the hospital. The doctor will prescribe medications, specific care/physiotherapy, tests, etc. and may schedule follow-up OPD consultations.

Importance of IPD in the Healthcare System

Take a look at the importance of IPD in the healthcare system:

• Continuous Medical Care: In-patient care provides comprehensive medical care to patients suffering from serious health conditions, like heart failure, childbirth, etc. Doctors and nurses offer round-the-clock care and effective treatment.
• Emergency and Critical Care Support: IPD plays an important role in handling medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, severe burns, accidental injuries, etc. In fact, the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) provide life-saving interventions for patients with critical illnesses.
• Post-Surgical Recovery: The IPD helps in post-surgical recovery by close monitoring, pain management, and timely response to complications.
• Specialised Care for Chronic Diseases: IPD provides specialised care to effectively manage chronic conditions like cancer, kidney failure, and severe respiratory diseases.

What is the Cost of IPD Treatment in India?

The cost of IPD treatment in India can be very expensive. According to a study conducted by IIT Jodhpur in 2022, the average cost of hospitalisation in India is ₹6,788 per day for private hospitals and ₹2,833 per day for public hospitals. However, the cost varies based on multiple factors, such as the type of hospital (government or private), city, type of treatment, room category, etc.

With each passing year, the cost of healthcare in the country is becoming more and more expensive, making it increasingly difficult for many people to afford quality healthcare. But with health insurance for family, people can ensure the best treatment for their whole family, including parents, at any hospital of their choice.

Health Insurance for IPD Treatments

As per reports, hospitalisation expenses in India are rising at an annual rate of 14%. Moreover, 62% of the total healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket, creating a huge financial burden. These statistics clearly show why hospitalisation in India is a hefty expense with the potential to exhaust a person's life's savings, making medical insurance a must-have.

Fortunately, almost all mediclaim insurance policies provide coverage for IPD or in-patient treatment, where a patient is admitted to the hospital for at least 24 hours. It covers the medical expenses arising from room rent, surgeon fees, operation theatre costs, nursing fees, etc. Moreover, many health plans cover the cost of consumables or non-medical items.

In fact, many health insurance for senior citizens and families also pay for pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalization expenses resulting from in-patient treatment.