Same day stays

Same-day patients may be either intended to be separated on the same day, or intended overnight-stay patients who left of their own accord, died or were transferred on their first day in the hospital.

Same-day admissions are generally governed by Commonwealth legislation. The decision on whether to admit a person as a same-day patient is determined by explicit inclusions and exclusions for procedures and conditions found in the following lists, which are based on Schedule 3 of the Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011:

Admitted procedures (Type B) list
Non-admitted procedures (Type C) list.

These lists can be found in Appendix 2 - (1). Admitted procedures (Type B) list and Appendix 3 - (2). Non- admitted procedures (Type C) list.

To be admitted as a same-day private patient, the person must meet one of the following criteria:

they receive same-day surgical and diagnostic services as specified in bands 1A, 1B, 2, 3, and 4 but excluding uncertified type C Professional Attention Procedures as specified in the Health Insurance Basic Table as defined in s.4 (1) of the National Health Act 1953 (Clth)
they receive type C Professional Attention Procedures and a medical practitioner has certified that their admission was necessary on the grounds of their medical condition or other special circumstances.

For more information on compensable same-day patients see Compensable patients.

Same-day patients

The following fees are charged for all same day patients who, on admission to a public hospital, have elected to be treated as private patients. Same day patients admitted for minor procedures (that is, those procedures contained in the Commonwealth's Type C exclusion list) must be certified as requiring hospital admission.

Patient Classification	Commonwealth minimum benefit for shared room accommodation 2024-25 #	Estimated costs for 2024-25 * Average cost
Same day - Band 1	$311	$611
Same day - Band 2	$367	$858
Same day - Band 3	$426	$479
Same day - Band 4	$489	$485

Note:

# Updated in line with advice from Commonwealth

*The average costs are based on the 2020-21 Victorian Cost Data Collection using IPHA indexation rates for the ensuing years to the current financial year. Includes depreciation loading.

Reviewed 03 July 2024