Ethan Rhodes
Being admitted to a hospital can be a stressful experience, but understanding the process can help reduce anxiety. There are several ways a patient can be admitted to a hospital, including emergency admissions, direct admissions, and scheduled admissions. Emergency admissions occur when a patient is brought to the emergency department and subsequently admitted due to a serious injury, condition, or symptom that poses an immediate risk to their life or health. Direct admissions happen when a doctor deems a patient to be sufficiently unwell during an appointment or phone call and arranges for their immediate admission. Scheduled admissions, also known as elective admissions, are typically for scheduled surgeries or specific medical treatments and are arranged in advance. During the admission process, patients are asked about their medical history, eating habits, mood, vaccinations, and medications. They may also undergo various tests, such as blood or urine tests, to check for problems. Understanding the different types of admissions and the procedures involved can help patients feel more prepared and empowered during their hospital stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of admission | Elective, Emergency, Direct, Transfer, Observation, Scheduled, Same-day surgery |
| Decision-maker | Personal doctor, Emergency department doctor, On-call physician, Patient |
| Patient's role | Active, involved in decisions, and agreeing with all aspects of their medical care |
| Admission procedure | Secure physician admitting orders sheet, permission for admission, gather data, verify forms, confirm room preferences, coordinate with nursing staff |
| Items to bring | Advance directives, legal forms, personal items, smartphone, charger, batteries, eyeglasses, hearing aids, toiletries, clean clothes, funding details, Medicare card, pre-admission health questionnaire, admission notification, etc. |
| Items not to bring | Valuables, money, jewelry |
| On arrival | Check-in at the reception desk, fill in admission form, pay for out-of-pocket expenses |
| During the stay | Various tests, blood, urine, questions about eating habits, mood, vaccinations, medications, mental function evaluation, IV line, etc. |
| Other | Identification bracelet, living will, resuscitation preferences, intubation, mechanical ventilation, feeding tube, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Inpatient and outpatient services
When a patient is admitted to a hospital, they are either an inpatient or an outpatient. Inpatient services mean the patient will stay overnight, several nights, or even weeks to months. Inpatient services can be categorised into surgical and non-surgical. Surgical inpatient services include knee replacement surgery or childbirth, whereas non-surgical inpatient services include psychiatric inpatient care.
Outpatient care, on the other hand, is when a patient does not stay in the hospital overnight. Outpatient care can be provided in a hospital, a walk-in clinic, an outpatient surgery centre, or a doctor's office. Outpatient care includes annual check-ups, blood tests, diagnostic tests, treatments, and other procedures. Outpatient care is often provided by primary care physicians, whereas inpatient care is often provided by specialists. However, many physicians can treat patients in both settings. For example, an oncologist can provide cancer care as either an inpatient or outpatient service.
The decision to admit a patient to the hospital is usually made by their personal doctor, an emergency department doctor, or an on-call physician. When admitted to the hospital, patients are given an identification bracelet to be worn on the wrist at all times. This ensures that tests and procedures are performed on the right person. During a hospital stay, patients may have various tests, such as blood or urine tests, and staff may ask questions to determine whether the patient may develop problems in the hospital or need extra help after discharge.
Inpatient care is generally more expensive than outpatient care because of the additional costs of staying overnight in a hospital. However, the type of care required depends on the patient's condition and the treatment they need. Intensive care, around-the-clock care, major surgery, and treatment for a serious illness typically require inpatient care.
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Emergency admissions
The decision to admit a patient to the hospital is typically made by medical staff, such as their personal doctor or an emergency department doctor in consultation with their primary care physician. In some cases, an "on-call" physician can admit a patient when their regular doctor is not available. During the admission process, patients are often given an identification bracelet with a unique barcode to ensure proper care and prevent medical errors.
Upon admission, various tests, such as blood or urine tests, may be conducted to check for problems and determine the necessary course of treatment. Staff members may also ask questions about eating habits, mood, vaccinations, and medications to assess the patient's overall health and identify any potential issues during their hospital stay or after discharge.
It is important to note that patients have the right to refuse admission, but they should be aware of the risks and potential consequences. In some cases, refusing admission may result in the patient signing out against medical advice, and their insurance company may not cover the costs of the visit.
In the case of emergency admissions, the hospital may admit the patient to a general floor, a specialised unit, or an observation unit based on the nature of the emergency and the required level of care.
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Elective admissions
Before an elective admission, a doctor may request that a patient comes into the hospital for lab tests, X-rays, or other pre-screening tests. An in-home hospital bed may be provided for patients with mobility issues, to make the experience more comfortable. Direct admission occurs when a doctor feels a patient requires immediate medical care and may arrange an ambulance to take the patient to the hospital.
In the case of elective surgery, patients may be admitted to the hospital for a scheduled surgery date, which is chosen in advance. This type of admission allows patients to plan and prepare, reducing anxiety and stress. It also enables hospitals to manage their resources effectively and ensure the availability of beds and medical staff.
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Direct admit
Elective admissions, on the other hand, are scheduled in advance and make up the majority of hospital admissions. These admissions are typically done for scheduled surgery or to treat or diagnose a specific medical condition. Patients may be asked to come to the hospital in advance for lab tests, X-rays, or other pre-screening tests.
In all cases of hospital admission, patients are typically given an identification bracelet with a unique barcode to ensure proper care and safety. Patients may also be asked to fill out admission forms with their personal and funding details, such as their Medicare card number and private health insurance information.
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Tests and procedures
Firstly, patients are often given a unique identification bracelet with a unique barcode to ensure proper care and safety. This barcode is scanned by healthcare providers to access the patient's medical records and ensure that tests and treatments are administered correctly. This is a standard procedure to maintain patient safety and privacy.
Before admission, patients may be instructed to undergo laboratory tests, X-rays, ECGs, or other pre-screening examinations as instructed by their doctor. These tests help in diagnosing and formulating a treatment plan. In some cases, patients may be directly admitted for immediate medical care without prior testing.
Upon admission, patients are typically asked a series of questions to assess their overall health and identify potential risks. This includes inquiries about eating habits, mood, vaccinations, medications, and mental function. This information helps staff members determine the appropriate level of care and identify patients who may need extra assistance during their hospital stay or after discharge.
During their stay, patients may undergo various tests such as blood or urine tests to check for specific health problems. An IV line is commonly inserted to administer fluids, medications, and nutrients if necessary. In more serious cases, procedures such as intubation and mechanical ventilation may be required to assist with breathing.
Additionally, hospitals often recommend that patients bring advance directives and legal forms indicating their preferences for resuscitation and appointing a medical power of attorney. These documents ensure that the patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected, especially if they are unable to make decisions at the time.
It is important to note that the specific tests and procedures performed during a hospital admission can vary based on individual circumstances and the policies of the healthcare facility. Patients should always follow the instructions provided by their healthcare providers to ensure they receive the most appropriate care for their condition.
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