Understanding Healthcare Part 1: Hospitals and medical emergencies
Accessing medical care when you need it can be challenging. It’s important to know what your options are but it can be a confusing system to navigate, especially if English […]
In Part 2 of this series, Understanding Healthcare, we’re discussing clinics, when to use their services, and a list of local resources for people living in East San Diego County.
READ PART 1: Hospitals and medical emergencies
A clinic is an organized medical service offering diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventative outpatient services.
At a clinic, you’ll receive routine preventative care from a doctor/primary care provider. Clinics are usually smaller than hospitals and people do not stay overnight. This is why you’ll often see clinics referred to as “ambulatory” or “outpatient” care clinics because they are meant for people to “ambulate” (walk) in and out of the facility. Most clinics require you to make an appointment prior to visitation via the phone or online unless it allows for same-day appointments, in which case you would simply arrive and wait your turn before seeing a medical professional. Be sure to check the hours of operation as clinics are not always open 24/7.
Clinics can support general health needs or be more specialized. The definition of a clinic has also now expanded to include virtual and mobile services for those that live at a distance. Some general health clinics include:
Some more specialized types of clinics include:
Reasons to visit a clinic:
Click here to search for a clinic near you.
READ NEXT | Part 3: Mental health emergencies and clinics
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