What Are OPD and IPD? Why They Are Important to the Hospital Information System (HIS)
- MEDcury Team
- Sep 23
- 7 min read
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
OPD (Outpatient Department) refers to the outpatient unit that provides treatment without requiring an overnight stay. IPD (Inpatient Department), on the other hand, is the inpatient unit where patients receive care under close observation as determined by the physician.
OPD units can be found in healthcare facilities ranging from small clinics to large hospitals, while IPD units are typically available in medium- to large-sized hospitals. The Hospital Information System (HIS) plays a vital role as a bridge, seamlessly connecting data between OPD and IPD departments.
When visiting a hospital or purchasing a health insurance policy, you may have come across the terms OPD (Outpatient Department) or IPD (Inpatient Department). However, many people are still unsure of what these terms really mean and how they differ—especially in the context of hospital care. MEDcury will walk you through a clearer understanding of OPD and IPD, what they are, and the key differences between them.
How Do OPD and IPD Differ?
Category | OPD (Outpatient Department) | IPD (Inpatient Department) |
Definition | Patients who receive medical care and return home without being admitted. | Patients who are admitted and require a hospital stay for continuous care and close monitoring. |
Duration of Treatment |
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Type of Treatment |
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Example Conditions |
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Healthcare Facilities | Available in all sizes of medical facilities. | Available in medium to large hospitals. |
Supporting Systems |
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The number of treatment hours is the key criterion for distinguishing between OPD and IPD. Moreover, the terms OPD and IPD are not limited to hospital use alone but also apply in other related contexts, such as health insurance, the pharmaceutical industry, and medical supplies.
What Is OPD (Outpatient Department)?
OPD stands for Outpatient Department, which refers to patients who receive medical services at a healthcare facility for up to 6 hours. These patients do not need to be admitted and can return home after treatment.
What Does OPD Care Include?
Examinations and Diagnosis – General check-ups such as initial consultations, flu treatment, and medical advice, as well as specialist examinations in cardiology, ophthalmology, or gastroenterology.
Treatment and Follow-ups – Rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, wound care, follow-up visits, injections, or minor procedures that require only short observation before discharge.
Minor Surgeries and Additional Tests – Small surgical procedures that don’t require an overnight stay, such as cyst removal, ingrown toenail removal, or removal of small lumps, along with diagnostic imaging like X-rays and ultrasounds.
Example of OPD Service in a Hospital
Patient A has a sore throat and a runny nose. After registering at the OPD, the doctor diagnoses a common cold and prescribes medication. The patient pays the bill and returns home to rest as advised.
What Is IPD (Inpatient Department)?
IPD stands for Inpatient Department, which refers to patients who require treatment in a healthcare facility for at least 6 hours and must stay overnight in the hospital. This process is called admission. The decision to transfer a patient from OPD to IPD depends on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s judgment.
What Does IPD Care Include?
Serious Illnesses Requiring Close Monitoring - Patients with life-threatening or severe conditions such as pneumonia, acute asthma attacks, or heart attacks, who need continuous 24-hour care from doctors and nurses.
Major Surgeries or Complex Procedures - High-risk surgeries that require hospitalization for recovery and monitoring of complications, such as heart surgery, brain surgery, or abdominal surgery.
Severe Injuries - Trauma cases such as multiple fractures, internal bleeding, or severe head injuries that need special equipment and close medical supervision.
Chronic Illnesses with Complications - Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cancer who develop serious complications and need ongoing hospital treatment.
Patients Requiring Life Support - Patients who need dialysis, intravenous fluids, or ventilator support for breathing assistance.
Example of IPD Service in a Hospital
Patient B has a high fever, chills, and body aches. After registering at the OPD, the doctor diagnoses Influenza A, which is contagious and requires close monitoring. The doctor decides to admit the patient into the IPD for further care and observation.
Where Can OPD and IPD Be Found in Healthcare Facilities?
Type of Facility | Characteristics | OPD (Outpatient Department) | IPD (Inpatient Department) |
Small (Clinics, Sub-district Health Centers) | Focus on outpatient services only. No overnight stay available. Limited staff and medical equipment. | Basic services such as general check-ups and some primary specialty care. | No IPD services available. |
Medium (Community Hospitals / Private Hospitals) | Able to provide more complex care, perform minor procedures, and perform surgeries. Limited inpatient services due to fewer beds and equipment. | General check-ups and some specialized services. | Available, but with limited number of beds and resources. |
Large (General Hospitals / Specialized Hospitals) | Comprehensive services with multiple specialists, modern equipment, and capacity for a large number of patients. | Covers all medical fields, both general and specialized. | Comprehensive inpatient care, with multiple room types including ICUs. |
For hospital businesses, service design often starts with OPD as the foundation, followed by IPD, depending on factors such as the number of consultation rooms, operating rooms, and hospital beds. Today, healthcare facilities are generally categorized into three main types:
1. Small Facilities (e.g., Clinics)
Small healthcare facilities primarily focus on outpatient (OPD) services. These are usually general clinics or specialized clinics, but they often face limitations in terms of staff, medical equipment, and the number of patients they can accommodate per day.
Examples include:
General practice clinics
Dental clinics
Dermatology clinics
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) clinics
Mental health clinics
Sub-district health promotion hospitals
2. Medium-Sized Facilities
Medium-sized hospitals provide care for both outpatients (OPD) and inpatients (IPD). Typically, they have around 31–90 beds and can treat both general illnesses and some specialized conditions. They are capable of performing minor surgeries, offering short-term recovery, and often have the potential to expand into larger hospitals.
Examples include:
Community hospitals in mid-sized districts
Medium-scale private hospitals in large cities (e.g., hospitals with 50–100 beds)
Medium-sized specialized hospitals (e.g., dental hospitals)
3. Large or Specialized Hospitals
Large hospitals generally have 120+ beds and provide comprehensive services across multiple specialties. They are well-equipped with advanced medical technology, multiple operating rooms, and can accommodate a high volume of patients. They also accept referrals from clinics or smaller hospitals for continued treatment.
Examples include:
University hospitals or teaching hospitals
Large private hospitals
National specialized hospitals (e.g., Heart Institute, Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital)
The availability of both OPD and IPD services within a hospital reflects its capacity and readiness to provide complete healthcare that meets diverse patient needs.
However, having comprehensive services alone may not be enough. A hospital must also have an efficient workflow system that connects various departments seamlessly. This ensures that OPD and IPD services are delivered effectively, leading to smoother operations and the best outcomes for patients.
Why Is a Hospital Information System (HIS) Important for OPD and IPD?
Patient medical records are highly sensitive. At the same time, patients expect fast, accurate, and safe services. This is why hospitals and healthcare facilities need an efficient Hospital Information System (HIS) to manage data smoothly.
Why Is HIS Important for OPD and IPD?
Enhances Data Connectivity - Patient information from OPD visits can be instantly transferred to IPD if the patient’s condition worsens and requires admission.
Improves Communication Between Departments - Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff can access the same set of patient information, reducing errors caused by miscommunication.
Ensures Secure Data Storage - Patient records, lab results, prescriptions, and diagnoses are stored in a centralized database, making it easy to review past medical histories.
Enhances the Patient Experience - With streamlined data management, patients receive faster and smoother services—from OPD registration all the way to IPD treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About OPD and IPD
1. What is OPD?
OPD (Outpatient Department) refers to outpatient services for patients who do not require an overnight hospital stay. Patients can receive consultations, medications, minor procedures, or therapy and return home the same day. Examples include flu check-ups, wound dressing, injections, or minor surgeries that do not require recovery time.
2. What is IPD?
IPD (Inpatient Department) refers to inpatient services for patients with severe or complex conditions who require hospitalization for at least one night. This allows doctors and nurses to monitor and provide continuous care. Examples include patients with pneumonia, severe accidents, or those requiring major surgeries that need post-operative care.
3. What is the difference between OPD and IPD?
The main difference lies in the severity of the condition and the duration of treatment. OPD involves treatment lasting no more than 6 hours, without admission. In contrast, IPD involves treatment lasting longer than 6 hours, requiring hospitalization. Examples include the use of specialized medical equipment, IV fluids, or post-surgery monitoring for major procedures.
4. How do I know whether my condition requires OPD or IPD?
The doctor will diagnose and assess based on symptoms. Mild conditions, such as a common cold, headache, or mild diarrhea, are usually treated under OPD. However, if symptoms are severe—such as difficulty breathing, sudden chest pain, or a serious accident—the doctor will recommend IPD admission for safety.
5. Why are there separate OPD and IPD insurance plans?
You may also encounter OPD and IPD in health insurance policies. The reason they are separated is that treatment types and costs differ significantly. OPD usually involves lower expenses, such as medication and general check-up fees. On the other hand, IPD costs are much higher, as they include hospital room charges, 24-hour doctor and nurse care, surgery fees, and specialized equipment.
MEDHIS – Hospital Information System by MEDcury
MEDHIS by MEDcury is a comprehensive Hospital Information System that supports both OPD and IPD services. With experience in developing and implementing systems for more than 30 healthcare facilities across Thailand, MEDHIS offers a wide range of modules designed to meet the operational standards of each hospital department.
MEDcury has been developing healthcare solutions for over a decade, backed by a team of experts with extensive experience in the public health sector. Our mission is to bring Thailand’s healthcare system into the digital era through standardized data management and fully integrated system connectivity.
With a user-friendly interface and seamless workflow, MEDHIS is designed for all stakeholders—nurses, doctors, lab staff, administrators, and IT teams—ensuring reliability, efficiency, and strict compliance with patient data security standards.
This enables smooth and seamless hospital data management, preparing healthcare facilities for future-ready data exchange both domestically and internationally.
For consultations or more information about MEDcury’s hospital information system, please contact our specialists:
Phone: 02-853-9131 (Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Email: sales@medcury.health
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