inpatient

[ in-pey-shuhnt ]

noun

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

inpatient

/ ˈɪnˌpeɪʃənt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inpatient¹

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

Example Sentences

The United States again set a record for coronavirus hospitalizations, with more than 128,000 people on Monday receiving inpatient treatment nationwide, according to data tracked by The Washington Post.

From Washington Post

In El Paso, University Medical Center has set record highs the past three days for inpatients with covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, said Ryan Mielke, director of public affairs.

From Washington Post

Nix included a 208-bed downtown hospital, an inpatient psychiatric center and multiple outpatient clinics.

From ProPublica

Mouser was back in Anchorage, an inpatient at Charter North Hospital.

From ProPublica

I mean, whether they’re inpatient for a medical reason, inpatient in our inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, or they’re through the emergency room.

From Freakonomics

Medisave accounts are used mostly for inpatient expenses, but also some outpatient ones.

From The Daily Beast

I am inpatient to introduce you to that Society, which you were born to ornament and charm.

From Project Gutenberg

A volunteer probably will answer your call and should be able to direct you to inpatient facilities available in your area.

From Project Gutenberg

Most health insurance programs cover most of the costs of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, for several weeks or months.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, if you are unable to control an addiction to drugs or alcohol, inpatient care is more likely to be effective.

From Project Gutenberg

But seeing that the young man heeded him not, he muttered an inpatient "Teremtette!"

From Project Gutenberg

More About Inpatient

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.

Where does inpatient come from?

The first records of the word inpatient come from the mid-1700s. It’s a combination of the word patient, referring to someone receiving medical treatment, and the prefix in-, which indicates that the patient will stay in the hospital or facility.

Patients are called inpatients as soon as they’re admitted for an overnight stay, but inpatients can stay for much longer than one night. Sometimes, inpatient care can take weeks or even months. For this reason, the word inpatient is often associated with treatment of more serious conditions, whereas outpatient treatment is more often associated with minor issues, as indicated by phrases like routine outpatient surgery. Types of facilities that provide inpatient care include hospitals, mental health facilities, addiction treatment centers, and nursing homes.

Though it may be a frequent typo, inpatient should not be confused with the word impatient, which describes someone who has a lack of patience.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to inpatient?

• patient

What are some words that share a root or word element with inpatient? 

 

• outpatient
• inmate

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing inpatient?

• care
• treatment
• procedure
• therapy
• facility
• hospital
• overnight
• stay
• clinic

What are some words inpatient may be commonly confused with?

• outpatient
• impatient

How is inpatient used in real life?

Inpatient is often used in contrast with outpatient. It’s most often used in the context of extended hospital stays.

Prater finished his inpatient therapy this week and doing great. Walking with assistance but progressing well. He will start outpatient therapy Monday at Shepherd. #pbstrong

— Prater Christiansen (@UpdateforPrater) December 2, 2017

“… on average, an inpatient procedure in Northern California costs 70% more than one in Southern California.” https://t.co/tDYMpOpVYa

— California Sun (@mmcphate) May 16, 2018

Today marks the end of some intensive work in our Health Care Inpatient Centre. All inpatient rooms have been deep cleaned and painted. Our patients are pleased with the look and feel of their accommodation creating the therapeutic environment they need.

— HMP Liverpool #ThisIsLiverpoolWeWillPrevail (@HMP_Liverpool) December 30, 2017

 

 

Try using inpatient!

Is inpatient used correctly in the following sentence?

I get really inpatient when I have to wait for things to come in the mail!