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 (opens in a new window):
- 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 2025-26 # | Estimated costs for 2025-26 * |
|---|---|---|
| Same day - Band 1 | $318 | $642 |
| Same day - Band 2 | $376 | $902 |
| Same day - Band 3 | $436 | $503 |
| Same day - Band 4 | $501 | $510 |
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.
Updated