There are many types of clinics, ranging from stand-alone practices to those associated with hospitals and universities. They can be found in a variety of locations, including retail stores, and they offer healthcare services that range from minor to complex. There are also some clinics that specialize in particular areas of medicine, and others are designed to provide general care.
While the word “clinic” is used to describe a number of different kinds of medical facilities, the term is most often applied to those that are smaller than a hospital and offer specialized services. Clinics are primarily outpatient healthcare facilities and do not provide overnight stays. They can be used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, from the common cold to cancer.
Some clinics serve as triage centers for people who have injuries or illnesses that aren’t severe enough to require a visit to the hospital emergency room. These clinics can have longer wait times, but they help to free up space at the local hospital by directing patients to the appropriate level of care.
Other clinics are staffed by physicians who specialize in specific areas of medicine, such as oncology or gynecology. These clinics are called specialty clinics, and they may be associated with a hospital or a medical school. They can be staffed by physicians or non-physician healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They often have onsite labs, and they can perform digital imaging services, such as x-rays and MRI’s.
The word “clinic” is sometimes confused with the phrase surgery. In fact, surgery is rarely performed at a clinic, although there are some that conduct minor surgeries, such as lasik or tooth extractions. Most hospitals, however, conduct surgeries on an inpatient basis and are not considered to be clinics.
Some hospitals have extended care clinics, or clincs, that are located in neighborhoods or in other places where patients may be able to find easier access to healthcare. These clincs are generally open seven days a week and provide a variety of healthcare services, from screenings for common diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure to physical therapy and even vaccinations.
While some hospitals and clincs provide their healthcare services for free to all who need it, most of these facilities charge a small fee for those who can afford it. In many cases, these fees are used to cover the costs of operating the hospital or clinc and other overhead costs.
Some clincs are nationally recognized for their expertise in certain medical issues, and they are often referred to as referral sites by primary care providers. For example, Rochester Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is widely regarded as one of the best in the country for a wide variety of medical problems. Other renowned specialized clincs include Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.