Outpatient clinics are designed to address a variety of health issues, including pain management, chronic illness management, and mental health care. An ambulatory care clinic may offer education and treatment for diabetics. These clinics generally have pharmacists, counselors, and other health care workers who collaborate with physicians. Infectious disease outpatient clinics are designed to treat patients who do not require inpatient care at a medical facility.
One sub-type of infectious diseases clinics is a tuberculous clinic. These facilities offer counseling, direct medical treatment, as well as pharmacy services. Other infectious disease clinics include those for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Many of these also offer support groups, counseling, and other programs.
Many emergency service clinics serve low-income patients. These clinics generally treat accident victims with fractures, burns, and wounds. In addition to emergency services for adults, many of these clinics offer outpatient treatment for infants and children.
Similarly, an outpatient clinic for pregnant women will provide pregnancy care on a semi-monthly basis in most cases. These pregnancy clinics may also offer support counseling and options for unwed mothers. This type of clinic may also provide advice for pregnant women who have health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Advice on diet may also be offered at a pregnancy clinic.
Physical therapy clinics provide rehabilitation to patients recovering from injury or chronic medical conditions such as cerebral palsy. Outpatient occupational therapy may also be available at rehabilitation clinics. Many of these outpatient clinics provide exercise programs using various equipment. For example, a patient recovering from a fractured hip may use a treadmill to regain strength and mobility. A patient who has a shoulder injury often benefits from an upper body ergometer at a rehabilitation clinic.
Mental health clinics provide outpatient services for various types of mental illness. Bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, and eating disorders are some conditions that may be treated at a mental health outpatient clinic.
Patients dealing with chronic pain are often referred to an outpatient clinic that offers advice, counseling, and practical solutions for managing pain. Some clinics offering pain management programs also deal with alternative or holistic treatment. These clinics may provide treatment that is natural, without the use of chemicals and drugs. Other methods of holistic healing provided at this type of clinic may include relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation.
