Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Care: What Each Means Today

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By KYW Medical Editor Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Medicine has gotten way more complicated once government got involved.

This is not a political statemen—just the truth. I bring it up because there is something you need to know about.

It is called an "observational hospital stay." We all remember the simple days of hospital visits—you had an inpatient care or outpatient care.

But now there is observational status. Depending on how your stay is classified, it could affect how much you pay for care, and what services are available to you later.

Inpatient care means you have been formally admitted to the hospital by your doctor. Usually, inpatient care lasts two or more nights. Inpatient care typically means you're in the hospital for only a short time, often for x-rays, lab work, or an emergency room visit.

Even some surgeries are outpatient procedures. An observational stay may be required to keep an eye on your health and see whether you need to be formally admitted. Observational stays can feel a lot like inpatient care because they can last more than one day.

You may even be in a regular hospital bed, but be careful — many of the costs could come your way and you need to ask about it.