
In medical terminology, 'hospital day 1' is considered to be the day of admission. The day of surgery is considered 'post-op day 0', with the following day being 'post-op day #1'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What does HD#1 stand for? | Hospital Day 1, which is the day of admission |
| What does POD#1 stand for? | Post-Op Day 1, which is the day after the operation |
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What You'll Learn

Hospital day count starts on the day of admission
The hospital day count typically starts on the day of admission, which is considered hospital day 1. This is the standard practice, with the patient's admission day being recorded as the first official day of their hospital stay.
However, there can be some variation in how this is implemented and recorded, especially in certain scenarios. For example, if a patient is admitted in the evening, it may be more practical to refer to that as hospital day 0 and then use hospital day 1 for the following day, as one surgeon shared in their experience.
In terms of billing and coding, the date of service (DOS) is crucial. The DOS is typically the actual calendar day that services were provided, which aligns with the admission date. However, there are exceptions. In teaching hospitals, for instance, the teaching physician has 24 hours to attest to the resident's admission note, and the billing can then be adjusted accordingly with the date of admission.
It is important to note that the billing practices may vary, and there are instances where the physician's examination and admission work may occur on a different day than the official hospital admission. In such cases, the billing date may differ from the actual admission date, but this should be a rare exception rather than the norm. Overall, the hospital day count typically does begin on the day of admission, and this is reflected in the billing and coding processes.
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Post-op day 0 is the same day as surgery
In medical terminology, the day of surgery is referred to as "post-op day 0" or "POD0", with the first day after the procedure being "post-op day 1" or "POD1". This is because the day of surgery is considered day zero, and the subsequent days are counted from there.
This convention is used in medical records and patient notes to clearly indicate the patient's progress and the timing of any post-operative complications or evaluations. For example, a patient's nursing notes might include an entry such as "Date: 12/12/2013. Status post appendectomy 12/10/2013", indicating that the surgery took place two days prior.
The use of "day 0" and subsequent daily increments helps to standardise the way patient progress is recorded and allows for easy comparison of post-operative outcomes and management strategies. This is particularly relevant when evaluating the efficacy of different treatments or interventions. For instance, in the case of uncomplicated cataract surgery, surgeons may offer patients the option of a POD0 visit for convenience and transportation purposes, or they may prefer to see patients on POD1.
While the day of surgery is typically referred to as "day 0", there can be some confusion due to the fact that many patients are discharged on the same day and immediately begin their "day 1" protocols. This can lead to discrepancies in understanding and record-keeping, as illustrated in online discussions where individuals question whether the day of surgery should be considered "day 0" or "day 1".
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POD #1: the day after surgery
POD, or post-operative day, refers to the days of recovery after surgery, with the day of surgery counting as day zero. On POD #1, or the day after surgery, patients can expect to be monitored closely and undergo daily lab work to ensure they are meeting key health goals. This includes being able to walk about the room, or "ambulate", for at least 50 feet with the assistance of a staff member or family member if cleared by a physical therapist. To reduce the risk of pneumonia and infection, patients should use an incentive spirometer 10 times every hour while they are awake.
A patient's diet is also an important consideration during this time. A dietitian will evaluate what the patient can and cannot eat, with the goal of the patient consuming at least 50% of their meals by the second day. If this goal is not met, nutritional supplements may be recommended. Managing pain is another crucial aspect of recovery, as it can interfere with breathing, sleep, appetite, and activity. The amount of pain medication required depends on an individual's pain tolerance and response to the medication, and it is carefully monitored by doctors and nursing staff.
In some cases, such as uncomplicated cataract surgery, patients may be evaluated on the same day as their surgery (POD0). However, it is more common for patients to be seen the day after their surgery (POD1). This can be a challenging time for patients, as they may experience fluctuations in their mental status, known as postoperative delirium (POD), and there may be difficulties in predicting who will experience post-operative complications. Overall, POD #1 is a critical day in the recovery process, with close monitoring and management of various factors to ensure the patient's health and well-being.
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HD#0: the day before post-op
The day before your surgery, or HD#0, is an important day for preparation. Firstly, you should eat a full evening meal but nothing after midnight, including milk. It is also important to not swallow any water when rinsing your mouth. You should also bathe or shower and brush your teeth before arriving at the surgery centre one hour before your scheduled surgery time.
In terms of what to bring, you will need a case for your glasses or contact lenses, as you will not be able to wear them during surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and do not wear any jewellery, makeup or nail polish. It is also recommended that you do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables. You may, however, need to bring payment for prescriptions that are to be filled after surgery.
In the 24 hours after your surgery, you should not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, sign a legal document, or be responsible for a minor. This is due to the sedatives and/or anaesthesia received during surgery. You should also rest for the first couple of days with the operated area elevated on pillows above your heart to control swelling. It is important to move the operated area to increase blood circulation and prevent joint stiffness.
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Day of surgery is POD 0
In the context of surgery, POD is an abbreviation for "post-operative day". The day of surgery itself is typically referred to as POD 0, with the following day being POD 1, and so on.
For example, when presenting a patient's information, you might say "36 y/o female POD #1 s/p lap chole", which would mean that the patient is one day post-op from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) procedure.
The use of POD 0 as the day of surgery is important for establishing a baseline for preoperative and postoperative assessments. It allows for consistent tracking of a patient's recovery progress and enables healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about post-operative care and management.
It's worth noting that the terminology and conventions regarding hospital days and post-operative days can vary among healthcare institutions and individuals. Some sources suggest that the day of hospital admission is considered Hospital Day 1, while others refer to it as Hospital Day 0, with the day after admission being Hospital Day 1. This discrepancy highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding within the healthcare team to ensure accurate patient care and documentation.
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Frequently asked questions
HD#1 or POD #1.
The hospital day count starts on the day of admission.
No, there is no hospital day zero. The day of admission is considered hospital day 1.
POD 0 or post-op day 0.































