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Home/Out Patient Guidelines

Out-Patient (OPD) Guidelines

Everything you need to know for a smooth OPD visit at Vivekananda Hospital, Begumpet. From appointment booking to what to bring, payment options to senior citizen provisions - your complete guide to outpatient care.

22 Specialty Departments 40+ Consultants Mon-Sat OPD Multiple Booking Options Cashless Insurance
Call +91 72079 04418 Book Appointment Online

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OPD Timings How to Book What to Bring First Visit Guide OPD vs Emergency Payment & Insurance Senior Citizens Hospital Access Telemedicine OPD Etiquette
22
Specialty Departments
40+
Specialist Consultants
Mon-Sat
OPD Days
15-20 min
Recommended Arrival
25+
Insurers Cashless

Welcome to OPD at Vivekananda Hospital

The Out-Patient Department (OPD) at Vivekananda Hospital is your first point of contact for non-emergency medical care. Whether you are visiting for a routine consultation, follow-up appointment, scheduled investigation, or seeking specialist opinion, this guide walks you through everything you need to know - from booking your appointment to what to expect during the visit.

Our 22 specialty departments operate Monday through Saturday with 40+ qualified consultants. With multiple appointment booking options, cashless insurance facilities, senior citizen provisions, and limited tele-consultation availability for select follow-up cases, we aim to make your OPD experience efficient, comfortable, and patient-centred. Call +91 72079 04418 for any clarifications or to book your appointment.

OPD Timings

Most departments at Vivekananda Hospital operate Monday through Saturday with morning and evening OPD slots. Specific timings vary by doctor and specialty, with some senior consultants having limited fixed days. The hospital itself operates 24/7 for emergencies - emergency department, casualty, and ICU services are available around the clock.

For accurate OPD timings of specific consultants, we recommend:

  • Visit the Departments page to find your required specialty and consultant timings
  • Visit the All Doctors page for individual doctor profiles with OPD schedules
  • Call +91 72079 04418 to confirm specific doctor availability before visiting
  • Some consultants accept tele-consultations during off-hours - ask during booking

Sunday OPD is limited to specific specialties and emergency consultations. Confirm before planning a Sunday visit.

How to Book Your OPD Appointment

Vivekananda Hospital offers multiple appointment booking methods to suit your convenience. We strongly recommend pre-booking to minimise waiting time, ensure doctor availability, and have your appointment confirmed with the right department.

P

Phone Booking

Call our reception during operating hours. Staff will confirm doctor availability and book your slot. Most direct method for complex cases or quick rescheduling.

Call +91 72079 04418
W

WhatsApp

Send a WhatsApp message with your name, preferred doctor or specialty, and preferred date. Convenient for those who prefer text-based communication.

WhatsApp Us
O

Online Booking

Use our online booking form to select your specialty, doctor, preferred date, and time slot. Submit and receive confirmation. Available 24/7.

Book Online
V

Walk-In

Visit the hospital reception in person for immediate booking. Walk-ins are accepted but may involve longer wait times compared to pre-booked appointments.

Find Location

Pro tip: When booking, share your symptoms briefly so we can direct you to the most appropriate specialist. For paediatric, gynaecology, or specific subspecialty needs, mention this during booking to confirm the right doctor sees your case.

What to Bring - Comprehensive OPD Checklist

Bringing the right documents and information makes your consultation more effective and saves valuable doctor time. Here is the comprehensive checklist for your OPD visit at Vivekananda Hospital:

1
Photo Identification Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, passport, or voter ID. Required for hospital registration and insurance verification.
2
Previous Medical Records All available medical history, hospital discharge summaries, surgery details, and consultation notes from other doctors. The more complete the better.
3
Current Medications List Complete list of all medicines you currently take with exact dosages, frequency, and duration. Include over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
4
Recent Investigation Reports Blood test reports, X-rays, CT/MRI scans, biopsies, ECG, ultrasound, and any other diagnostic reports - especially those done in the last 6 months.
5
Insurance Card or Policy Health insurance card with policy number, CGHS card, ESI card, Arogyabhadratha card, or TSGENCO card. Verify cashless benefits in advance.
6
Symptoms List with Timeline Written list of symptoms you are experiencing, when they started, severity, what makes them worse or better. Helps doctor make accurate diagnosis.
7
List of Allergies Drug allergies (penicillin, sulpha drugs, etc.), food allergies, environmental allergies. Critical safety information to share before any treatment.
8
Questions to Ask Pre-written list of questions about your condition, treatment options, side effects, prognosis. Ensures you do not forget important points during consultation.
9
Family Medical History Information about chronic conditions in immediate family - diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer. Important for risk assessment.
10
Family Member or Translator For elderly patients, paediatric patients, or those needing language support. One attender allowed inside consultation room.
11
Payment Method Card, UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), or cash for consultation fees and any in-house investigations. Insurance for cashless treatment.
12
Notepad & Pen To note down doctor's instructions, medication schedule, follow-up advice, and any test recommendations. Reduces post-visit confusion.

Your First Visit - Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting a new hospital can feel overwhelming. Here is exactly what to expect on your first OPD visit at Vivekananda Hospital - so you walk in confident and prepared:

1

Arrival & Parking

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time (15-20 minutes for follow-up visits). Park your vehicle in the hospital parking area. Senior citizens or patients with mobility issues can be dropped at the main entrance first.

2

Reception & Registration

Visit the OPD reception on the ground floor. For first-time patients, a new file is created with your photo ID. The reception staff will guide you to the correct department or specialist. Keep your appointment reference handy if pre-booked.

3

Initial Assessment

Vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, weight) are typically recorded by the nursing staff before consultation. For paediatric and obstetric patients, additional preliminary checks may be done. This information is added to your file.

4

Consultation with Doctor

You will be called into the consultation room when your turn arrives. Share your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and concerns. The doctor will examine you, discuss the diagnosis, and explain treatment options. One family member is welcome.

5

Investigations (if Needed)

If the doctor recommends blood tests, scans, or other investigations, the receptionist will guide you to the in-house diagnostic facilities. Most basic tests (X-ray, ultrasound, blood tests, ECG) are available on-site for same-day results when feasible.

6

Prescription & Pharmacy

You will receive a prescription detailing medications, dosages, and any further instructions. The hospital pharmacy can dispense most prescribed medications. Generic alternatives can be discussed if requested for cost savings.

7

Billing & Payment

Settle the consultation fee and any in-house investigation/medication charges at the billing counter. For cashless insurance, your insurance card is verified. Detailed itemised bills are provided. Multiple payment methods accepted.

8

Follow-Up Booking

If a follow-up consultation is recommended, book your next appointment before leaving. The reception can also arrange specialist referrals within the hospital, schedule investigations not done same-day, or arrange tele-consultations for stable cases.

OPD vs Emergency - When to Visit Which

Knowing whether to visit OPD or Emergency Department helps you get the right care at the right time. Here is a clear breakdown:

Visit OPD for:

  • Routine consultations and check-ups
  • Follow-up visits for chronic conditions
  • Scheduled investigations
  • Diabetes, hypertension, thyroid management
  • Skin conditions, allergies
  • Routine paediatric consultations
  • Mild fever lasting 2-3 days
  • Joint pains, body aches (non-acute)
  • Preventive health check-ups
  • Vaccinations
  • Second opinions on existing diagnoses
  • Health certificates and reports

Visit Emergency for:

  • Severe chest pain or pressure
  • Sudden severe breathing difficulty
  • Loss of consciousness or fainting
  • Sudden weakness, slurred speech (stroke signs)
  • Major accidents and injuries
  • Severe bleeding
  • High fever with seizures (especially children)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Burns of significant area
  • Poisoning or drug overdose
  • Suicidal thoughts or psychiatric emergency
For Emergencies, call +91 72079 04418 immediately - 24/7 emergency response available

Payment & Insurance Options

Vivekananda Hospital accepts multiple payment methods and is empanelled with major government and private insurance providers for cashless treatment.

Cash

Indian Rupee cash accepted at billing counter for consultations, investigations, and pharmacy.

Card Payment

All major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, RuPay) accepted.

UPI

Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, and other UPI apps for instant digital payment.

CGHS

Cashless treatment for Central Government Health Scheme beneficiaries with valid CGHS card.

ESI

Cashless treatment for Employees State Insurance beneficiaries with valid ESI card.

Arogyabhadratha

Cashless treatment for Telangana state government employees and pensioners.

TSGENCO

Cashless treatment for Telangana State Power Generation Corporation employees and their dependents under the TSGENCO health scheme.

Private Insurance

25+ private insurers including Star Health, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Niva Bupa, Care Health, and others.

Cashless treatment requires pre-authorisation for inpatient procedures. For OPD consultations, most insurance plans require reimbursement claims after payment unless your specific policy includes OPD cashless coverage. View complete insurance empanelment list or call +91 72079 04418 to verify your coverage before visiting.

Senior Citizen Provisions

Senior citizens (aged 60 and above) at Vivekananda Hospital receive special accommodations to ensure a comfortable and dignified OPD experience. Our hospital recognises the unique needs of elderly patients and provides the following provisions:

Priority Queueing

Senior citizens receive priority at registration and consultation queues to minimise standing time and reduce fatigue during waiting.

Wheelchair Assistance

Wheelchairs available on request at reception. Trained attendants can assist with transfers between consultation rooms, investigations, and parking.

Family Attender Welcome

One family member or caregiver welcomed inside consultation room to provide context, help with history, and support decision-making.

Extended Consultation Time

Senior citizens with multiple chronic conditions receive longer consultation slots to allow thorough evaluation of complex medical situations.

Geriatric-Focused Care

Dr. Manisha (MRCP UK) leads our Senior Citizen Care programme with comprehensive geriatric assessment, multi-medication review, and coordinated multispecialty care.

Medication Counselling

Pharmacy staff provide clear instructions on medication schedules, side effects, and interactions to support medication adherence at home.

Comfortable Seating

Senior citizen-friendly seating in waiting areas with arm rests and appropriate height for easier sitting and standing.

Tele-Consultation Follow-Up

For follow-up visits not requiring physical examination, limited tele-consultations available for stable elderly patients to avoid hospital travel. Call to check eligibility.

Hospital Access & Parking

Vivekananda Hospital is centrally located in Begumpet with easy access from multiple parts of Hyderabad. Here are your transportation and access options:

Address

6-3-871/A, Greenlands Road, Beside CM Camp Office, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016

Metro

Begumpet Metro Station (Blue Line) approximately 1 km from hospital. 5-minute auto/walk depending on side.

Bus & Auto

Frequent TSRTC buses on Begumpet route. Auto-rickshaws and ride-share (Ola, Uber, Rapido) readily available.

Parking

Parking available on hospital premises for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Drop-off zone at main entrance for elderly/mobility-restricted patients.

Nearby Areas

Easily accessible from Ameerpet, Somajiguda, Punjagutta, Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar, Greenlands, Khairatabad, Secunderabad.

Landmark

Beside the Telangana Chief Minister's Camp Office on Greenlands Road - widely known landmark for navigation reference.

Telemedicine - Limited Tele-Consultation Availability

Vivekananda Hospital offers limited telemedicine consultations primarily for follow-up visits and specific specialty cases, in compliance with the National Medical Commission Telemedicine Practice Guidelines. Tele-consultations are not a substitute for first-time physical consultations - they complement our in-person OPD service for established patients with stable conditions.

Tele-consultations are typically suitable for:

  • Follow-up visits for previously diagnosed conditions (most common use case)
  • Prescription refills for stable chronic conditions
  • Discussion of investigation reports with treating doctor
  • Second opinions on diagnoses or treatment plans
  • Geographical accessibility issues (out-of-station, mobility-restricted patients)

Tele-consultations are NOT appropriate for:

  • First-time consultations requiring physical examination
  • Emergencies and acute medical situations
  • Conditions requiring physical investigations
  • Surgical assessments
  • Suspected cases requiring imaging or laboratory tests
  • Conditions where physical examination is essential for diagnosis

Tele-consultation availability is limited and varies by specialist and condition. Call +91 72079 04418 to check tele-consultation eligibility for your specific case and to schedule a session if appropriate. E-prescriptions follow NMC-mandated digital prescription format. For emergencies and first-time consultations, in-person OPD visits are recommended.

OPD Etiquette & Hospital Conduct

To ensure a smooth experience for all patients and staff, please observe the following etiquette during your OPD visit:

1
Pre-book Your Appointment Pre-book through phone, WhatsApp, or online to minimise waiting time, ensure doctor availability, and confirm slots in advance.
2
Arrive 15-20 Minutes Early Plan to reach the hospital 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time. First-time patients should add 15 minutes for registration. Senior citizens can plan additional time.
3
Limit Attendants Bring only one attender with the patient to reduce crowding. Additional family members can wait in designated waiting areas. Exception for elderly or paediatric patients.
4
Adhere to Security Protocols Follow all security and medical protocols at the hospital premises. Cooperate with screening, masking requirements (if active), and visitor restrictions.
5
Maintain Decorum Refrain from unnecessary movement, smoking, eating in clinical areas, and loud talking in lobby and consultation areas. Hospital is a healing environment.
6
Bring Complete Records Bring all previous medical history, prescriptions, medical tests, and current medications with dosages. Refer to the comprehensive checklist above.
7
Be Considerate of Time While we encourage thorough discussion of symptoms, habits, and concerns with the doctor for proper diagnosis, remember that the next patient may be waiting. Prepare focused questions in advance.
8
Mobile Phone Etiquette Switch phones to silent mode in consultation areas. Calls and conversations may disturb other patients and impact quality of consultation.
9
Honest Disclosure Share complete and honest medical history, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, diet), and concerns with the doctor. Withholding information affects treatment quality.
10
Respect Hospital Staff Treat all hospital staff - nurses, technicians, reception, security, housekeeping - with courtesy and respect. They are integral to your care experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an OPD appointment at Vivekananda Hospital?
You can book an OPD appointment in four ways - call +91 72079 04418, send a WhatsApp message to the same number, use the online booking form on our website, or visit the hospital reception in person. Pre-booking is recommended to minimise waiting time and confirm doctor availability for your preferred date and time.
What are the OPD timings at Vivekananda Hospital?
Most departments operate Monday through Saturday with morning and evening OPD slots. Specific timings vary by doctor and specialty. The hospital itself operates 24/7 for emergencies. Visit individual department pages on our website for exact OPD schedules of specific consultants, or call +91 72079 04418 to confirm timings before your visit.
What should I bring for my OPD appointment?
Bring photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, or passport), all previous medical records and prescriptions, list of current medications with exact dosages, recent investigation reports (blood tests, X-rays, scans), insurance card, CGHS, Arogyabhadratha or TSGENCO card if applicable, and payment method (card, UPI, or cash). For elderly patients, a family member who knows daily routine. Prepare a list of symptoms with timeline and questions you want to ask the doctor.
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows time for registration, payment, and reaching the consultation room without rushing. For first-time patients, arrive 30 minutes early as registration takes longer with new file creation. For senior citizens or patients needing assistance, additional time should be planned.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Walk-in consultations are accepted but waiting times can be longer. Pre-booked appointments take priority over walk-ins for the time-slot. Some senior consultants see only pre-booked patients. We strongly recommend calling +91 72079 04418 or booking online to confirm appointment, doctor availability, and minimise waiting time.
What payment methods are accepted at Vivekananda Hospital?
Vivekananda Hospital accepts cash, all major credit/debit cards, UPI payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), bank transfers, and offers cashless treatment for empanelled insurance providers including CGHS, ESI, Arogyabhadratha, TSGENCO, and 25+ private insurers. Insurance pre-authorisation may be required for inpatient procedures.
Does Vivekananda Hospital offer telemedicine consultations?
Vivekananda Hospital offers limited telemedicine consultations, primarily for follow-up visits and specific specialty cases. Tele-consultations are NOT a substitute for first-time consultations or emergencies. They are typically suitable for follow-up visits with established patients, prescription refills for stable chronic conditions, discussion of investigation reports, and second opinions. Call +91 72079 04418 to check whether tele-consultation is appropriate for your specific case.
When should I visit OPD vs Emergency Department?
Visit OPD for routine consultations, follow-ups, scheduled investigations, chronic disease management, preventive health check-ups, and non-urgent medical concerns. Visit Emergency Department for severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, sudden severe headache, accidents and injuries, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, stroke symptoms, severe abdominal pain, high fever in children, and any condition requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency is open 24/7 - call +91 72079 04418 for emergency arrival guidance.
Are senior citizens given priority at OPD?
Yes. Senior citizens (aged 60 and above) receive priority queueing at registration and consultation. Wheelchair assistance is available on request. Family members are encouraged to accompany elderly patients to assist with mobility, history, and decision-making. For senior citizens with multiple conditions, additional consultation time is allocated for comprehensive evaluation.
Is parking available at Vivekananda Hospital?
Yes. Parking is available at the hospital premises for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The hospital is located at 6-3-871/A, Greenlands Road, Beside CM Camp Office, Begumpet. The hospital is also accessible via Begumpet Metro Station (approximately 1 km away), Hyderabad public buses, autos, and ride-share services.
What if the doctor I want to see is not available?
If your preferred doctor is not available on the date you need, our reception will offer alternative options - reschedule to next available date with the same doctor, see another qualified specialist in the same department, or arrange a tele-consultation if appropriate. For specialised cases requiring a specific consultant, advance booking is recommended.
Can I bring family members with me to the consultation?
Yes, family members are encouraged to accompany patients especially for serious diagnoses, elderly patients, paediatric cases, and patients who need translation. We request limiting attendants to one family member during the consultation itself to ensure privacy and minimise crowding. Additional family can wait in the lobby or designated waiting areas.
How do I get a copy of my medical records?
Medical records can be requested at the hospital reception or by calling +91 72079 04418. Standard documents include consultation summaries, investigation reports, and prescriptions. For comprehensive medical record requests, written application is required. Records are typically available within 24-48 hours. Patients have a right to access their own medical information.
Can I get a second opinion at Vivekananda Hospital?
Yes. Vivekananda Hospital welcomes patients seeking second opinions on diagnoses, treatment plans, or surgical recommendations from other hospitals. Bring all your previous medical records, investigation reports, and treatment summaries. Second opinion consultations follow the same booking process as standard OPD appointments. Both physical and tele-consultation second opinions are available.
What languages are spoken at the hospital?
Doctors and staff at Vivekananda Hospital speak English, Hindi, Telugu, and Urdu - covering the most common languages in Hyderabad. Some doctors speak additional languages. If you need a specific language for consultation, mention it during appointment booking so we can accommodate appropriate doctor selection or arrange translation support.

Ready for your OPD visit?

Book your appointment now or call us with any questions. Our reception team will guide you to the right specialist and answer all queries.

Call +91 72079 04418 Book Appointment View Departments