How does inpatient billing differ from outpatient billing?

Inpatient billing specifically pertains to services rendered during a patient’s stay in a hospital, often for more serious or extensive medical needs that require 24-hour care and monitoring. This includes procedures, meals, medications, and other services associated with a patient's admission to the hospital. Because the care is typically more complex and requires a longer duration, inpatient billing captures a broader range of services compared to outpatient billing, which focuses on patients who are not admitted to a facility.

In contrast, outpatient billing usually covers services where patients receive care and leave the facility on the same day, such as routine check-ups, minor surgical procedures that do not necessitate an overnight stay, and diagnostic tests. It is important to understand these distinctions as they affect coding, billing practices, and reimbursement processes within healthcare settings.