Outpatient Services

Outpatient services are medical procedures, surgeries, therapies, classes, or tests that are done in a qualified medical center without the need for an overnight stay.

In general, outpatient centers focus on services for wellness and prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. In these centers, a person may obtain childbirth education, diabetes education, counseling, imaging tests, lab tests, minor surgery, physical or occupational therapy, and drug rehabilitation. Government and health agencies rate and report on outpatient facilities and can help a person find a local, high-quality outpatient service center.

Last Revised: October 27, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Michel M. Murr, MD - General Surgery, Bariatric Surgery

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