Hospital Outpatient Departments

What is a Hospital Outpatient Department (HOPD)?

A Hospital Outpatient Department (HOPD) is a facility owned and operated by a hospital, providing outpatient services as a department of the hospital. The facility may be located on the hospital’s main campus or may be located off site, but is still considered a part of the main hospital. Think of it like the local branch of a bank. The branch is separate from the main bank but still legally and operationally a part of it. In a similar way, what might look like a standard community clinic operates as an offsite extension of the main hospital.

For example, at Baptist Healthcare System, an HOPD is staffed by providers who are credentialed by Baptist Health where the same quality of care as the main hospital is offered.

Benefits of a HOPD

A HOPD provides you with the convenience of care close to where you live and work. In many cases, you are able to receive treatment (such as infusion therapy) in a smaller department rather than traveling to visit a sprawling hospital campus to receive treatments offered by the hospital. Since departments of the hospital include an integrated medical record with the main hospital, when you receive treatment in an HOPD, your providers stay up to date on the latest health information they need to deliver personalized care.

Differences Between an HOPD and a physician office

When receiving care at a HOPD, you might notice some differences in billing and how your insurance is processed. It is often best to contact your insurance company before you schedule an appointment at a hospital outpatient department to review your insurance plan and how different costs are covered.

Your insurance plan will likely pay for services differently when provided in an HOPD. For example, you might see different copays and deductibles, including a copay or deductible related to a hospital service. The details really depend on your individual insurance plan or payer, including Medicare. That’s why it is so important to check with your insurance company before scheduling care.

Baptist Health is here to support you and answer any questions you have about hospital outpatient departments. We want you to make the most informed decision possible about your care.