What is OPD Full Form in Medical Terms?

What is OPD in a Hospital?

OPD, or Outpatient Department, in a hospital refers to the section or division where patients can receive medical consultations and treatments without staying overnight. It is designed to provide diagnosis, minor treatments, diagnostic services and medicines to patients who do not require hospitalisation. When patients visit a hospital/clinic, they are first sent to the OPD for inspection, and the OPD doctors suggest a further line of treatment or refer them to a suitable medical department. 

The outpatient department at a hospital is generally divided into different sections, such as the Department for Gynaecology, the Department for Neurology, the Department of General Medicine, and more. Patients can go to the relevant OPD department at a hospital as per their medical requirements.

NOTE: There is a difference between OPD and IPD, so make sure not to get confused between these two terms.

What Services are Provided by the OPD?

The OPD provides the following services:

• Doctor consultations
• Diagnostic tests and investigations, such as blood tests, scans, MRIs, X-rays, etc.
• Minor treatments or surgeries, such as dressing wounds or removing stitches.
• Medications and prescriptions
• Routine health check-ups
• Physiotherapy
• Vaccinations

Types of OPD Services in a Hospital

Listed below are the different types of OPD services in a hospital:

• General OPD: It is the most common type of OPD in a hospital and includes general consultations for common illnesses, such as cough, cold, and fever. The general physician either provides the treatment or refers the patient to the specialist as per requirement.
• Specialised OPD: This kind of OPD addresses specific medical issues, like dermatology, gynaecology, orthopaedics, etc. Patients with chronic conditions or specific medical issues visit specialised OPD to get expert care.
• Surgical OPD: Surgical OPD manages the pre and post-operative consultations of patients preparing or recovering from surgery.
• Diagnostic OPD: This type of OPD provides various diagnostic services to patients, including MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, CT scans, etc. Diagnostic OPD helps to diagnose underlying health problems.
• Paediatric OPD: This OPD is dedicated to children and manages everything from vaccinations to routine health check-ups.
• Emergency OPD: Emergency OPD caters to urgent but not life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention, such as plastering a broken bone, stitching a wound, etc. However, emergency OPD is not as critical as an emergency room.

How Does OPD Work in a Hospital?

The OPD in a hospital works in the following manner:

Step 1: Registration

Patients first register themselves for consultation at the OPD desk of the hospital by providing personal details, such as medical problems, symptoms, etc.

Step 2: Consultation

Patients receive an appointment for a consultation with a doctor of the relevant department according to their symptoms.

Step 3: Treatment or Medication

After diagnosis, the doctor recommends a treatment plan or medication, depending upon the severity of the issue.

Step 4: Follow-up Appointment

Patients might need to take follow-up appointments after a few days, as suggested by the doctor.

Importance of OPD in the Healthcare System

Check out the importance of OPD in the healthcare system:

• Convenient and Easily Accessible: OPDs make it easy for patients to consult a doctor without having to stay at a hospital. This allows patients with non-urgent medical conditions to get the care they need on time.
• Promotes Preventive Care: Outpatient diagnostic tests or screenings as part of preventive health check-ups enable people to keep track of their health and identify potential health problems early. This, in turn, lowers the risk of being diagnosed with a serious illness at an advanced stage.
• Cost-Effective: Outpatient care is usually more affordable than inpatient hospitalisation as patients do not need to pay for the hospital stay but only for consultation, tests, or minor treatments.
• Access to Expert Care: With specialised OPDs, patients can obtain expert medical care without being admitted to the hospital. This is especially beneficial for managing chronic conditions and receiving specialised treatments on time.

What is the Cost of an OPD Visit in India?

The cost of an OPD visit in India varies based on several factors, including the type of hospital/healthcare facility, city, specialisation of the doctor and the severity of the health problem.

As per a news report published in March 2025, the average cost of OPD services in metro cities in India can range anywhere between ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per doctor consultation. On the other hand, diagnostic tests can cost somewhere around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 on average in such cities.

Health Insurance for OPD Expenses

With rising medical inflation, OPD expenses account for nearly 70% of total healthcare expenses in India. Even though this kind of out-of-pocket expense can put a major strain on finances, most people in India do not have OPD cover under their health insurance policy.

Health insurance with OPD cover pays for medical expenses incurred on OPD services that do not require hospitalisation, such as doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, routine health checkers, etc. Since OPD is generally not an in-built cover, most mediclaim policies offer it as an optional cover on payment of an additional premium amount.

Most health insurance companies provide cashless OPD services at their network clinics or hospitals, making the process hassle-free and quick. However, some insurers also allow policyholders to claim OPD expenses on a reimbursement basis by submitting the required documents, like medical bills, doctor consultation papers and prescriptions, etc.

Who Should Buy Health Insurance with OPD Cover?

OPD health insurance is ideal for:

• People who often require medical consultations or diagnostic tests.
• Senior citizens, families with young children, and those with pre-existing diseases (PEDs).
• People with chronic illnesses who need regular outpatient care and follow-ups.
• People who emphasise early diagnosis and proactive healthcare.
• People with weakened immune systems who incur higher OPD costs due to repetitive illnesses.