A 2017 report showed that about 58.5% of all surgeries in the US were outpatient surgeries. This report shows just how many patients are choosing to become outpatients.
When it comes to a surgical procedure, there are many things to consider. One detail is whether your client will be an inpatient or an outpatient.
Auto accident and personal injury cases should take these options under careful consideration. Especially when it comes to the cost of surgery for your client.
The outcome that the client wants should also be taken into consideration. Whether they are an inpatient or outpatient is going to greatly impact their overall experience.
Keep reading to find out whether your client should have inpatient or outpatient surgery.
What Is Outpatient Surgery?
Outpatient surgery is when a patient goes to have their surgery done and leaves the same day. Which is why this is often called same day surgery as well.
Being an outpatient is something that many people choose as it gives them more freedom. Patients don’t have to stay at the hospital to recover, instead, they can go home.
This is a convenient option that keeps hospitals from becoming far too crowded. While also helping patients to recover comfortably and save some money.
Outpatient surgery is a great option for any clients who qualify for this option. Not everyone is going to be allowed to do this, however, as some people must stay in the hospital.
More extensive surgeries will likely not be same day surgeries. The same goes for a patient who may be considered to be at a high risk of experiencing complications.
Because of this, this option is something that needs to be discussed beforehand. Those who can go home will often be encouraged to take advantage of this option.
What Is Inpatient Surgery?
When it comes to inpatient surgery, this is quite different from being an outpatient. Inpatient surgery is when patients have to stay in the hospital.
This stay could be as short as an overnight stay or several days or weeks long. It will often depend on what kind of surgical procedure was done and the patient’s history.
The medical staff will be the ones deciding whether or not the patient should be an inpatient. Sometimes this will be necessary no matter what the patient wants.
Benefits of Outpatient Surgery
When considering whether outpatient or inpatient surgery is right for your client, there are certain things to look at. This includes details like the cost of surgery and pain management.
Your client may have certain requirements that make it necessary to stay in the hospital. They may also be able to make just as good of a recovery at home.
These are things to discuss with them as well as their doctor to decide on an option. If being an outpatient is on the table, here are some benefits to this option.
No Hospital Stay
Possibly, the biggest benefit of being an outpatient is that they get to go home that day. Patients don’t have to wait around the hospital or stay overnight.
When it comes to comfort, this is the best option for clients. They get to go home and can recover in familiar surroundings in the comfort of their own home.
This is often ideal for patients both mentally and physically. It also gives them the time that they may need to make a full recovery.
More Affordable
Inpatient care is considered to be the least affordable option of the two. A hospital stay requires more resources, resulting in a higher cost of care after surgery.
The client has to pay for every day that they are in the hospital as well as for their surgery. If they can leave after their surgery, this can help them to save money.
Having to stay overnight in the hospital is quite a large expense for most patients. Because of this, most patients prefer the cost-effective option of recovering at home.
Benefits of Inpatient Surgery
The benefits of inpatient surgery can often be very alluring. Especially for clients who have a hard recovery ahead of them.
For some clients, inpatient surgery may be the best option for them over same day surgery. If this is the case, there are a few benefits that inpatient surgery has to offer.
Constant Care
Patients who stay in the hospital to recover are going to get constant care. Having nurses around at all times can really come in handy after surgery.
Many times this may be required if the surgery is extensive and the patient needs constant care. They also may need to stay in the hospital if there is no one at home to help them.
Being an inpatient can be useful for certain types of recovery as well as pain management. Some surgeries may be more extensive and require more specialized care.
Better for Serious Surgeries
If the patient had to have a very serious surgery, they may do better as an inpatient. Certain surgeries are more intrusive and require more time for recovery.
They may also make it hard for the patient to take care of themselves. Some patients may also need special care if they are high-risk patients.
Outpatient Vs Inpatient Surgery for Clients
If you have a personal injury client, you may be wondering if they should have inpatient or outpatient surgery. These are two very different things that can impact their experience.
Many patients will have the option of one or the other, though inpatient surgery may sometimes be required.
Do you have a client who is going to be having a surgery? Contact us today at Surgeons on a Lien to find the best option for your client.