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How do outpatient facilities differ from inpatient hospital units?
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Riverside campus of The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ont., Can.
The primary difference between outpatient facilities and inpatient hospital units is the duration of the patient's stay for medical treatment.
- Outpatient facilities: These are designed for patients who receive medical care, such as minor surgeries or consultations, without being admitted to the hospital overnight.12
- Inpatient hospital units: These are intended for patients who require a stay of one or more nights in a hospital to receive necessary medical treatment or recovery care.34
In essence, the distinction centers on whether the clinical setting requires an overnight admission to manage the patient's health needs.13