inpatient

American  

[in-pey-shuhnt] / ˈɪnˌpeɪ ʃənt /

noun

1. a patient who stays in a hospital while receiving medical care or treatment.

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inpatient British  

/ ˈɪnˌpeɪʃənt /

noun

1. a hospital patient who occupies a bed for at least one night in the course of treatment, examination, or observation Compare outpatient

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Usage

What does inpatient mean? Inpatient is commonly used as an adjective to describe treatment that requires a patient to be admitted to a hospital or other care facility for at least one night.Inpatient is used in contrast with the term outpatient, which describes treatment that does not require a patient to stay overnight.The terms are especially used in phrases like inpatient treatment (which requires the patient to stay overnight at the hospital), inpatient room (where such patients stay), and outpatient procedure (after which the patient can leave, instead of staying for further observation or treatment).Both terms can also be used as nouns referring to such patients.Inpatient is typically used in the context of hospitals, but it can also refer to a patient of a mental health facility or other kinds of clinics.Example: This type of surgery requires inpatient care—typically consisting of a one-week hospital stay.

Etymology

Origin of inpatient

First recorded in 1750–60; in- ¹ + patient

Example Sentences

The highest number of ongoing waits - for both inpatients and outpatients – across Scotland were for orthopaedics.

From BBC

Plus, more care is moving from inpatient settings to less expensive outpatient facilities.

From MarketWatch

The deal complements the company’s inpatient footprint, which in turn will broaden customer reach and offer a more comprehensive, integrated imaging solution across multiple care settings, GE HealthCare said Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal

He wanted to go to an inpatient facility that could keep him safe.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge says a cut in NHS funding will mean inpatient beds being reduced from 21 to 12 – what it described as "a devastating decision".

From BBC