Outpatient
/ˈaʊtpēʃənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who receives medical treatment at a hospital or clinic, but does not stay overnight.
/ˈaʊtpēʃənt/
A person receiving medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.
The outpatient department offers various services.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a doctor's appointment, get your check-up, and then go home. You're an outpatient! You get treated but don't sleep at the hospital.
👶 For kids: Someone who goes to the doctor or hospital for a checkup or treatment but doesn't sleep there.
More Examples
Many patients prefer outpatient treatment to minimize hospital stays.
She was seen as an outpatient for her physical therapy sessions.
How It's Used
"The outpatient clinic provides care for patients who do not require overnight stays."
Relating to the treatment of patients who do not stay overnight in a hospital.
/ˈaʊtpēʃənt/
Relating to the treatment of outpatients.
The hospital offers outpatient services such as physical therapy and counseling.
💡 Simply: Think of a doctor's office. The care you get there is outpatient. It's *out* of the hospital's overnight stay.
👶 For kids: Something that helps people who go to the doctor but don't stay the night.
More Examples
Outpatient care allows patients to recover at home.
The doctor recommended outpatient treatment for her condition.
How It's Used
"The hospital has an outpatient surgery center."
From 'out' (outside) + 'patient'. Originally referring to a patient not confined to a hospital bed for treatment, emerging in the late 19th century.
The term became increasingly prevalent in medical contexts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as healthcare models evolved.