Admission refers to the process wherein a patient is formally accepted and registered as an inpatient in a hospital or other healthcare facility to receive treatment for a medical condition. This occurs under recommendation by a physician who determines that the patient needs services that can only be provided through an overnight or longer stay in a hospital or similar setting.
Key Points:
Required Authorization: In many health insurance policies, prior authorization from the insurance provider may be required before admission to ensure coverage of the inpatient treatment.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient: Admission distinguishes between inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient admission involves an overnight stay, allowing for longer, more comprehensive treatment. On the other hand, outpatient services involve procedures or treatments where the patient does not need to stay overnight in the facility.
For further understanding, it is essential to reference national legislation and guidelines that regulate inpatient admissions such as:
The Affordable Care Act in the United States, which impacts insurance coverage and treatments.
Regulations set forth by healthcare authorities and insurance bodies in local jurisdictions which outline the guidelines for admissions, covered services, and insurance claims processing.
