Chapter 2: Settings Where Healthcare is Delivered
Brandon Censon MPH, CPH, RRT-NPS, CPFT, CPT
Physician Clinics and Offices
The care that is provided at a Physician clinic or office is also referred to as ambulatory care, this type of healthcare setting provides health services to those who do not need to be admitted to a facility as an inpatient. The type of care that is provided depends greatly on the type of physician that is at the particular clinic. For example, if it is a primary care provider, a wide variety of services could be provided, such as, annual physicals, laboratory testing, immunizations, care for minor conditions such as the common cold, flu, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and minor injuries. In addition to treating acute illnesses, physician offices may also provide preventative care, such as immunizations. There are also a number of specialized clinics, providing specific care focusing on areas such as, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, and gynecology – obstetrics. The specific services that are provided depend on the conditions that fall under their areas of practice.
Dental Offices
Dental offices provide specialized care, focusing on the prevention and treatment of dental disease. General dentistry offices provide an assortment of services that include, comprehensive exams, x-rays, and dental cleanings, fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, tooth implants, and preventative care. Some dental offices provide specialized dental care, such as orthodontists, who focus on dental devices that change the position of the teeth in the mouth. Another common dental specialty is oral and maxillofacial surgery, these offices specialize in oral surgery for patients who require a surgical intervention to correct a disease, injury, and defects of the jaw and surrounding structures.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Ambulatory surgical centers generally provide same-day surgical care that may include preventative and diagnostic procedures. Ambulatory surgical centers serve as a convenient alternative healthcare site for patients. These centers are essentially an outpatient facility that provides surgical services/care to patients, with an emphasis on minimizing cost. Some common procedures that are performed at an ambulatory surgical center include, knee arthroscopy, hand/wrist fracture reduction and fixation, carpal tunnel release, colonoscopies, cataract laser surgeries, wound or lesion repairs, biopsies, and many cosmetic surgical procedures.
Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinics
Outpatient rehabilitation clinics allow patients to receive therapy without having to be admitted to a hospital. The types of therapy services provided vary by the clinic, but commonly you will find physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cardiopulmonary rehab.
Patients who receive care from an outpatient rehabilitation clinic generally have conditions that are acute in nature, but are less medically-complex. Outpatient rehabilitation clinics work very well for patients who are needing to improve their mobility, stability and overall quality of life. The goal of the therapy tends to be restorative, to allow for them to get back to their normal daily activities.
Mental Health and Psychiatric Clinics
Mental health clinics provide specialized care for individuals who need treatment and services for their mental health. Some of the conditions that may be treated at this type of clinic may include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders. In these clinics individuals may work with psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, and social workers. Either as a team or as an individual they work to diagnose mental health conditions, provide counseling, provide prescription medications, provide case management and other supportive services.
Skill Stitch: Using Telehealth to Improve Access to Quality Care
When we think of receiving care from a doctor or other partners in the healthcare team, oftentimes, we think of offices, hospitals, and clinics. However, with the advances in technology, access to quality healthcare is also changing. One major change is the introduction of telemedicine. Telemedicine can be defined as healthcare that is delivered using an electronic communication source. The care can be provided remotely, or from an alternative location (Telehealth.HHS.gov, 2023).
A common tool that is used is videoconferencing. Videoconferencing allows the care team to exchange important clinical information that informs the patient’s care plan and vital signs can be monitored in the remote setting. Telemedicine can be a very helpful tool in reducing health inequities, reducing costs, improving the continuity of care, and improving access to healthcare in general. Telemedicine continues to grow in rural communities where access to general care providers and specialists is very limited.
Attributions
- Figure 2.5: Lionel R. Lenox Building Outpatient Clinic by Stanford Medical History Center is released under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Care provided by health care professionals in outpatient settings.