Answer:
While there’s a clear difference between an inpatient and an outpatient, there is a little bit of gray area as well. Occasionally, physicians will assign a patient observation status while they determine whether hospitalization is required. This period typically lasts for no more than 24 hours.
Also note that the location itself doesn’t define whether you’re an inpatient versus outpatient. It’s the duration of stay, not the type of establishment, that determines your status.Primary care physicians have traditionally been considered outpatient providers, while specialists are thought of as inpatient physicians. But that’s really an oversimplification, particularly when you consider that hospitalists bridge the gap by providing general medical care to inpatients. Effective care requires that doctors work together and effectively leverage health care technology, regardless of their specialties and settings.
Many physicians also divide their time between inpatient and outpatient services. OB/GYNs, for example, provide inpatient care when delivering babies and outpatient care when consulting with pregnant women during prenatal checkups.
Step-by-step explanation: