Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Survive. Connect. Rebuild.

A Program of the ATS

Outpatient Clinic

A clinic or outpatient clinic is a medical facility that provides health care for ambulatory patients - as opposed to patients eho have been admitted to a hospital. Oupatient clinics may be located within or on the same campus as a hospital; they may also be free standing. Most clinics are run by one or more general practitioners, but there are clinics operated by private corporations, government organizations or hospitals. The function of clinics will differ from place to place. For instance, a local general practice will provide primary health care while a rehabilitation clinic may provide physical and/or occupational therapy.

Some clinics function as a place for people with injuries or illnesses to come and be seen by medical professionals. In these clinics, the injury or illness is not serious enough to warrant a visit to an emergency room. Treatment at these clinics is often much less expensive than it would be at an acute care hospital. These clinics often have access to diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines, especially if the clinic is part of a larger facility. Doctors at such clinics can often refer patients to specialists if the need arises.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outpatient_clinic