What is OPD Full Form in Medical Terms?

What is OPD in a Hospital?

OPD, or Outpatient Department in a hospital is a section where patients receive medical consultation and treatments that do not require overnight stay. It acts as a primary point of contact between healthcare providers and patients.

The OPD in 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. Upon visiting the hospital, the patient goes to the specific OPD section as per his/her medical requirements.

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

What Services are Provided by the OPD?

The OPD provides the following services:

• Routine health check-ups
• 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
• Follow-up visits.

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 if needed.
• Specialised OPD: This kind of OPD addresses specific medical issues, like dermatology, gynaecology, orthopaedics, etc. Patients with chronic conditions or specific medical issues visit this department to seek expert care.
• Surgical OPD: Surgical OPD is made to manage the pre and post-operative consultations of patients preparing for surgery or recovering after surgery.
• Diagnostic OPD: It is a department in a hospital where patients undergo different diagnostic services, like MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, blood test, etc. It plays a major role in determining the underlying health problem.
• Paediatric OPD: This OPD is dedicated to children and manages everything from vaccinations to routine health check-ups.
• Emergency OPD: Emergency OPD is not as critical as an emergency room but caters to urgent but not life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention, such as bone fractures.

How Does OPD Work in a Hospital?

The OPD in a hospital works in the following manner:

Step 1: Registration

Patients initially 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 if suggested by the doctor.

Importance of OPD in the Healthcare System

Check out the importance of OPD in the healthcare system:

• Convenience and Easy Access: OPDs make it easy for patients to seek doctor consultations without having to stay in the hospital overnight. This means that patients with non-urgent medical conditions can get the care they need in a timely manner.
• Regular and Preventive Care: Diagnostic tests or screenings included in OPD enable people to track their health and identify possible problems early. This, in turn, lowers the risk of serious illnesses.
• Cost-Effective Treatment: Outpatient care is usually more affordable than inpatient hospitalisation as patients only need to pay for consultation, tests, or minor treatments.
• Access to Expert Care: Thanks to specialised OPDs, where patients can seek expert 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 Outpatient Department (OPD) visit in India varies based on several factors, including the type of healthcare facility, the location, and the specialisation of the doctor.

As per the official data 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. In fact, the diagnostic tests may cost somewhere around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.

Coverage for OPD Expenses in Health Insurance

With medical expenses on the rise, reports state that OPD expenses account for at least 62% of healthcare expenses in India. This kind of out-of-pocket expense can put a strain on your finances, necessitating the need for OPD coverage in health insurance.

Health insurance with OPD cover pays for expenses incurred on services that do not require 24 hours of hospitalisation, such as doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, routine health checkers, etc. This coverage is not generally provided in the basic health plan and is available as an add-on, which can be opted for by paying an additional health insurance premium.

While some health insurance companies allow you to claim reimbursement for the covered expenses by submitting supporting documents, like medical bills and prescriptions, others provide cashless OPD services at network clinics or hospitals, making the process hassle-free and quick.

Who Should Buy OPD Cover in Health Insurance?

OPD cover in a mediclaim policy 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.
• Those who emphasise early diagnosis and proactive healthcare.
• People with weakened immune systems who incur higher OPD costs due to repetitive illnesses.