The Hidden Costs of Hospital Visits: Why Home Healthcare is More Affordable Than You Think

The cost of healthcare is a persistent cost that is somehow unavoidable. From routine check-ups to preventive and chronic healthcare services, healthcare covers it all, bringing relief to individuals. However, individuals have always had a brief comparison in their minds about home healthcare vs hospitals when it comes to quality and cost, which shapes their decision.

Hospital Expenses in India

As you avail medical services in India, some of the basic procedures and costs are common across hospitals and clinics across the country.

Registration Charges- These may be accounted as service or administrative charges that are taken by the hospital for services like documentation and additional patient management services for further visits.

Outpatient Charges- Outpatient charges are the standard fees given for the medical expenses. It is the first thing that happens during hospital visits after registration. This is a fee paid for the medical consultation without being admitted to the hospital for a longer duration. This can range from a consultation for something as common as a fever to a specific ailment looked after by a specialist.

Fees for Diagnostic Tests- The cost for diagnostic tests may not be “hidden” per se, but may not be clearly explained to the patient or their families. Moreover, the compulsion to take the tests from the hospital itself and not outside sources creates pressure on patient and their families who are already stressed. Some charges may come after the first consultation, after the diagnosis or the tests, the cost of nursing care that is unavoidable, though it can be available at affordable prices.

Cost of Injection and Vaccination- Injection and vaccinations are important for healing and can bring relief to patients both pre- and post-diagnosis. It comes as a bundle of charges, which makes the patients think they are being charged extra. Due to the clinical setup and emergency preparedness, hospitals may sometimes charge extra for an injection as compared to home nursing services cost.

Cost of Illness Recovery- Recovery from infectious diseases depends on the severity of illness. Illnesses such as dengue, malaria, etc, may require supportive care such as IV drip for hydration or for medication delivery.

Cost of Wound Healing & Surgery Recovery: Surgeries and wounds require additional care and follow-ups. It becomes important to identify the stage of recovery, complications, if any. Specialised wound Regular wound cleaning and dressing also incur a cost to the patient.

Cost of Rehabilitation- Rehabilitation costs can be incurred for healthcare services that help regain mobility and function. This can include physiotherapy and chiropractic services that help individuals regain their health. These services can be availed at home as well as hospitals and clinics, depending on the age and health condition of the individual.

As a family, when faced with a medical emergency, you pay all in your capacity to keep your loved ones healthy. In such scenarios, it becomes imperative for the healthcare service provider to provide the best quality care to individuals through affordable healthcare at home and medical services at hospitals.

How do home healthcare services eliminate hidden costs?

Home healthcare services not only ensure a comfortable and convenient healing journey, but they also allow patients to access the right medical care at home without paying the hidden charges at a hospital.

Healthcare at home eliminates the hidden costs of hospital visits, such as charges for injection and vaccination services, charges for bed and facility for the patients, as well as their attendant cost of medicines, etc, which are priced higher than usual. All these can be a significant burden on the healthcare budget and savings. A significant rise in expenses also becomes a hurdle in creating a smooth healthcare experience. Home healthcare services like injection and vaccination services, wound dressing services, stitch removal, etc, can be easily availed at home.

Below is a brief comparison of a trusted home healthcare service in Noida that gives a fair idea of the cost of home healthcare services.

Injection & Vaccination Service – Rs 300/-
IV Drips – Rs 500 onwards
Surgical & Wound Dressing- Rs 300 onwards
Stitch Removal- Rs 300 onwards
Cannula Insertion- Rs 300
Urinary Catheterization- Rs 999
Feeding Tube/ Ryles Tube Insertion- Rs 799 + Visiting Charges
Enema Procedure- Rs 500
Chiropractor- Rs 2000
Physiotherapy- Rs 666 onwards


Why transparent pricing matters in healthcare?

Transparent pricing builds the trust of the patient in healthcare service and lets them avail the services without any worry. It promotes individuals to opt for nursing care services that help them heal at a better pace rather than carrying a prolonged illness till it turns critical. It also ensures relief to the family members and creates a stress-free healing journey guided by medical experts. With an increasing demand for safe, affordable and trustworthy home healthcare services it becomes important to provide the best health services for optimal healing.