Outpatient Surgery
What Does Outpatient Surgery Mean?
Outpatient surgery refers to surgical procedures that do not require the patient to stay overnight at the hospital after the operation.
This type of surgery is also known by other terms, including ambulatory surgery, same-day surgery, day case, and day surgery.
Insuranceopedia Explains Outpatient Surgery
The term “outpatient” originates from the fact that patients can leave the hospital shortly after their surgery. It contrasts with inpatient surgery, which requires the patient to remain in the hospital for ongoing monitoring or care.
Outpatient surgery offers several advantages, such as reducing hospital costs, saving the patient time and expenses on medications and additional care, and allowing recovery in the comfort of their own home.
This type of surgery is typically recommended for healthy individuals undergoing minor or intermediate procedures, such as certain urologic, ophthalmologic, or extremity-related surgeries.
