Overview
What are outpatient services?
Outpatient services are medical procedures or tests that can be done in a medical center without an overnight stay. Many procedures and tests can be done in a few hours. Outpatient services include:
- Wellness and prevention, such as counseling and weight-loss programs.
- Diagnosis, such as lab tests and MRI scans.
- Treatment, such as some surgeries and chemotherapy.
- Rehabilitation, such as drug or alcohol rehab and physical therapy.
What are the benefits of choosing outpatient services?
Outpatient services usually cost less because you don't need to stay overnight. Staff members at outpatient centers are well trained in the service they provide. Most of the time, these centers specialize in one kind of treatment or procedure. Often all the care you need can be provided in one place.
Who uses outpatient services?
Most people can choose an outpatient center instead of a hospital if the needed service is available. But not all medical procedures can or should be done at an outpatient center.
How can you know if the outpatient center is trustworthy?
Try to find out all you can about the outpatient center before you use it. It's a good idea to visit the center before you decide.
Many health and government agencies rate or report on the quality of outpatient centers. Check with your state's board of medicine or with your insurance company to learn more.
You can also look up outpatient centers on these websites:
- Care Compare from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at www.medicare.gov/care-compare
- Quality Check from The Joint Commission at www.qualitycheck.org
