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Outpatient: meaning, definitions and examples

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outpatient

 

[ ˈaʊtˌpeɪʃənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical context

An outpatient is a patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital. Outpatients typically visit hospitals or clinics for diagnosis, treatment, or surgery and return home on the same day. This type of care is often seen as more convenient and less costly than inpatient care.

Synonyms

ambulatory patient, day patient, non-admitted patient

Examples of usage

  • The outpatient clinic is open on weekends.
  • She is an outpatient receiving physical therapy.
  • After the surgery, he was classified as an outpatient.
  • Many patients prefer outpatient services for minor procedures.

Translations

Translations of the word "outpatient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paciente ambulatorial

🇮🇳 आउट पेशेंट

🇩🇪 Ambulanzpatient

🇮🇩 pasien rawat jalan

🇺🇦 амбулаторний пацієнт

🇵🇱 pacjent ambulatoryjny

🇯🇵 外来患者

🇫🇷 patient ambulatoire

🇪🇸 paciente ambulatorio

🇹🇷 ayaktan hasta

🇰🇷 외래 환자

🇸🇦 مريض خارجي

🇨🇿 ambulantní pacient

🇸🇰 ambulantný pacient

🇨🇳 门诊病人

🇸🇮 ambulantni pacient

🇮🇸 útigandi sjúklingur

🇰🇿 амбулаторлық науқас

🇬🇪 გარე პაციენტი

🇦🇿 ambulatoriya xəstəsi

🇲🇽 paciente ambulatorio

Etymology

The term 'outpatient' has its roots in the early 20th century, derived from the combination of 'out' meaning 'not within' and 'patient' which refers to an individual receiving medical care. The concept of outpatient care emerged as healthcare systems evolved, focusing on providing medical services that would allow patients to return home after treatment. This idea became more prominent with advancements in medical technology and practices that reduced the need for extended hospital stays. By the 1970s, outpatient care significantly expanded, leading to the establishment of outpatient clinics and specialized services catering to this patient demographic. Today, outpatient care represents a vital component of modern healthcare systems, reflecting a shift towards more efficient and patient-centered treatment approaches.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,414, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.