OPD or the outpatient department is a wing of the hospital where the patient can seek consultation with a general physician or a specialist to discuss the health issues. OPD is usually a separate wing in a hospital and is functional on the basis of the speciality and availability of the specialist in the hospital. The consultant specialists of the hospital of various specialities usually have a pre-decided OPD consultation schedule.
What are OPD timings ?
The OPD timings usually differ from hospital to hospital. But, most of the OPD are functional between 9am to 6pm. More information can be derived from your healthcare provider on the availability of doctors during a defined time in the OPD.
What are OPD slots ?
OPD slots are time frames which are allotted to a particular specialist depending upon his availability and other schedules in the hospital. For example, certain visiting specialists have limited time slots where as full time consultants of the hospital can be available all the time in case if they are required in the OPD.
How to book an appointment in an OPD ?
Either you can call up the hospital directly to book an appointment with the concerned specialist or in a concerned speciality or you ask your healthcare provider for details on how to book an appointment for a particular health issue.
How do you know which specialist you need to refer to ?
Sometimes it is difficult to understand the symptoms and hence it is advised to see a general physician who can further guide you to the specialist as per your chief complaint.
Does an OPD have a separate billing counter ?
The OPD unit of any hospital has a separate billing counter and depending on the type of speciality the consultation fee is charged.
What is first consultation ?
First consultation refers to meeting with a doctor for the very first time to discuss your health issues.
What is registration fees and consultation fees ?
Registration fees is the fees you are charged when you register for the very first time in a hospital. On the other hand a consultation fee is the fees you are charged for your meeting with your specialist. Most of the hospitals have an only one time registration fee which is valid for a certain period of time defined by the hospital norms. The consultation feel on the contrary is charged every time you see the doctor.
Does an OPD have an insurance desk and a corporate desk ?
Yes, most of the OPD units in hospitals have an insurance desk and a corporate desk. Ask your healthcare providers for necessary details on insurance coverage and corporate alliances of the hospital you are referring to.
Does the OPD have a separate international patient services desk ?
Yes, most of the hospitals have a separate international patient unit which cater to all the needs of international patients including the ones regarding the OPD services. The international patient services desk helps international patient in seeking the relevant information and guidance.
Is laboratory a part of the OPD ?
No, laboratory is not a part of the OPD. At instance your consulting physician might advise you to get certain blood and other laboratory investigations done. A medical/pathology laboratory is usually associated with a multispecialty hospital where the advised investigations can be carried out and the reports can be further discussed with your consulting specialist.
Can any surgeries be done in OPD ?
Some hospitals or healthcare centres have well equipped OPD where minor surgical procedures can be performed. Ask your healthcare provider if day care facilities could be availed.
What other services can be a part of the OPD ?
Apart from minor surgical procedures some hospitals have also have a provision of a day care dialysis unit where patients who routinely have to undergo dialysis can be taken care of. Other services offered by OPD include health check-up plans for patients and for corporate alliances and an attached pharmacy for availability of medicine within the OPD premises.
Are there waiting areas and longue in the OPD ?
Most of the OPD units in any hospitals are planned with a waiting area, information brochures and facility of rest rooms. For example, the paediatric OPD waiting areas usually have a small play area or entertainment available for children to make them more comfortable. Most of the OPD are equipped with stretchers, walkers and wheelchairs to be used if required.
When to call an OPD and when the Emergency ?
OPD and emergency are two different units in a hospital. An appointment is usually made to consult a doctor or a specialist for a health issue that does not require emergency medical treatment. Whereas an emergency unit is usually approached in case of medical emergencies which require urgent medical care such as injury after an accident, stroke, heart attack and severe health issues to name a few.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
