Hospital admissions refer to the formal process of a patient entering a medical facility for care, treatment, or surgery. This crucial metric provides vital...
A hospital admission occurs when a patient is formally registered and assigned a bed for medical care requiring an overnight stay, or observation beyond a typical outpatient visit for diagnosis or treatment.
Common reasons include acute illnesses (e.g., pneumonia, flu), chronic disease exacerbations (e.g., heart failure), surgical procedures, injuries, childbirth, and detailed diagnostic evaluations.
High admission rates can strain resources, increase wait times, and challenge staffing levels. Monitoring these rates aids in planning, resource allocation, and identifying public health crises or preventative care needs.
An emergency department visit is for immediate assessment and treatment of acute conditions. An admission occurs if the patient's condition necessitates further inpatient care beyond the ED, often involving an overnight stay.
A physician or medical professional determines the necessity for admission based on a patient's medical condition and treatment plan, often requiring pre-authorization from insurance providers.