IPD Meaning in Medical Terms Explained

Posted on: Jun 17, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

IPD Meaning in Medical Terms Explained

When your doctor advises you to get admitted to a hospital because your medical condition cannot be treated in an outpatient department, the admission will be done under IPD care. In other words, doctors suggest IPD care to a patient in case of a serious illness or disease that requires complex procedures or surgery and round-the-clock monitoring. Unlike OPD services, where individuals are treated and discharged the same day, in IPD, the hospitalisation needs overnight stays or longer.

What is IPD Meaning in Medical Terms

IPD meaning, in medical terms, is In-Patient Department. It is a facility in a hospital where patients are admitted for 24 hours or longer to undergo treatments and surgeries that require continuous monitoring. In IPD, patients receive comprehensive medical care and treatment, specialised services, and have immediate access to healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff. The patients get discharged from the hospital after complete recovery.

Some of the key features of IPD include:

• Patients have to be admitted to a hospital for more than 24 hours for IPD treatments.

• Severe medical conditions, which require close monitoring and a range of healthcare services, come under IPD care.

• Along with treatment, patients get dedicated hospital beds and a room.

• Patients require round-the-clock supervision.

• In IPD treatments, patients have access to medical facilities and equipment for necessary care.

• IPD has a team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other staff for providing continuous care and treatment to the patients.

Meaning of OPD

OPD, which stands for Out-Patient Department, is the medical facility within the hospital where patients receive medical care without the need for hospital admission. OPD services include consultations, diagnostic tests, minor procedures, and treatments that do not require the patient to stay in the hospital for more than 24 hours.

Conclusion

IPD refers to a vital facility of hospital infrastructure where patients receive extended care, often for serious medical conditions or complex procedures and surgeries. In IPD, the medical professionals ensure that patients have access to continuous medical supervision, advanced diagnostic tools, and necessary treatments during their stay. As IPD treatments are covered by a mediclaim policy, make sure you have an active plan for financial protection against rising healthcare costs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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