Clinics

Clinics

Clinics (pronunciation: /ˈklɪnɪks/) are healthcare facilities that are primarily focused on the care of outpatients. Clinics can be privately operated or publicly managed and funded, and typically cover the primary healthcare needs of populations in local communities, in contrast to larger hospitals which offer specialised treatments and admit inpatients for overnight stays.

Etymology

The term "clinic" comes from the Greek word klinē, which means bed. This is in reference to the practice of having patients lie down on a bed or couch for examination and treatment.

Types of Clinics

There are various types of clinics including:

• General Practice Clinics: These clinics are run by physicians and cover a wide range of medical problems. They are often the first point of contact for patients.
• Specialist Clinics: These clinics are dedicated to a specific group of patients or diseases such as orthopedic clinics, cardiology clinics, and dermatology clinics.
• Walk-in Clinics: These clinics offer non-emergency care to patients without appointments.
• Urgent Care Clinics: These clinics cater to patients who need immediate care but do not require a visit to an emergency room.
• Free Clinics: These clinics provide free or low-cost treatment to those who do not have insurance.

Related Terms

• Outpatient: A patient who attends a clinic for treatment but does not stay overnight.
• Inpatient: A patient who stays in a hospital while under treatment.
• Primary Care: The day-to-day healthcare given by a health care provider.
• Specialist: A physician who has additional training and experience in a specific area of medicine.

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