Types of Health Clinics and the Services Provided

Clinics are health facilities where you can receive inpatient treatment.

There are numerous types of clinics. Some are independent practices, while others could be part of a university or hospital. There are also health clinics within the retail stores.

The offerings offered by different types of clinics are different, as well. Some clinics offer various medical services, while others offer specific treatment.

Below, we’ll discuss the different kinds of health clinics as well as the services they provide and the best way to locate affordable health care.

1. Primary health clinics

The most well-known kinds of clinics are those that concentrate on primary health care. Primary care clinics offer an array of regular and preventive healthcare options, like:

• Annual physicals
• Laboratory testing, for instance, urine tests and blood tests
• vaccinations
• screening and treatment for ailments such as high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure, or diabetes
• treatment for minor signs of minor symptoms, like cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion
• treatment for common ailments such as colds, flu, and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Treatment of certain injuries, for example, minor cuts or burns

The doctors in a primary care clinic are general practitioners in their area of expertise. This may include internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics.

But, you can be able to meet with different types of healthcare professionals, for instance, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

In addition, certain primary care clinics might provide services for a low or no charge. They may also be called charities or clinics that are free.

2. Clinics with specialization

While a general practice clinic provides a wide range of treatments, a specialty clinic concentrates on a specific field of medicine. The doctors and staff at a specialist clinic are trained specifically for and are focused on specific medical fields, like:

• cardiology
• Dentistry
• dermatology
• The ear, nose as well and throat (ENT)
• gastroenterology
• Gynecology and obstetrics
• neurology
• nutrition
• oncology
• Ophthalmology
• orthopedics
• podiatry
• Physical therapy
• sports medicine
• Urology

Specialized clinics are typically linked to a health organization or hospital group; however, they may be standalone practices.

If you require care from a doctor who is only able to offer it, your primary care provider is able to give you an appointment.

3. Sexual health clinics

The type of clinic that is offered is focused on reproductive and sexual health, for women as well as men. It is possible to visit an asexual health clinic to avail numerous types of services like:

• options for contraceptive methods, including condoms, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), and the intrauterine device (IUDs)
• screening and treatment of the treatment and screening for sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs)
• pelvic examinations
• screening for certain kinds of cancer,s as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and testicular cancer
• Prenatal tests and pregnancy testing
• vaccinations to prevent diseases such as HPV or Hepatitis B
• HIV services, which include tests, treatment, as well as access to preventive medicines (PrEP as well as PEP)
• aid in the treatment of men’s health issues, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
• Infertility counseling or referrals
• Vasectomy
• Referrals or services for abortion
• guidance on the subject of adoption
• counseling after sexual assault

It is important to remember that the kinds of services offered will differ by clinic.

If you’re in search of a particular type of service, make contact with an individual clinic to determine if they provide the kind of service you’re seeking.

4. Clinics for mental health

If you’re worried about your health and mental well-being, this kind of facility may provide the care and treatment you require.

The health professionals who work at a clinic for mental health focus on helping to treat and diagnose a variety of mental health issues. A few examples include, but aren’t limited to:

• Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia
• substance use disorders
• eating disorders

The health professionals you could encounter at a clinic for mental health include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers. Their services could include:

• The diagnosis of mental health disorders
• outpatient counseling that can be offered in a group, individual, or family environment
• prescription drugs to manage mental health issues
• Case management services
• Supportive services, like support with managing medication or establishing a support network

5. Addiction clinics

These kinds of clinics offer outpatient services for those who are recovering from substance abuse disorder.

In general, outpatient addiction services clinics are designed for those who are:

• A stable and secure living environment
• A strong social support network
• safe and reliable transportation

One of the main goals of an addiction clinic is group therapy. Sessions with counselors are typically scheduled multiple times a week. Other services that can be offered include:

• Drug and alcohol education
• treatment of any other mental or physical health disorders
• aid in growing your support network, or return to work

6. Community health centers

Community health centers are a kind of clinic that is community-driven and is funded by federal dollars. They’re intended to help communities that aren’t able to afford health care.

For federal assistance, the community health center must satisfy the following five requirements:

• Provide healthcare services in the community or area that’s classified as medically underserved.
• Offer comprehensive primary care together with support services such as translation and health education.
• Adjust the cost of services according to an individual’s ability to pay
• The direction of the board will be provided by a committee which is composed of a majority of community members
• satisfy additional requirements about financial performance, performance, and administration

Apart from primary healthcare, additional services may be offered in the community health center. Some examples include:

• pharmacies
• dental care
• mental healthcare
• Counseling or treatment for addiction disorders

7. Retail clinics

Clinics for retail therapy are found in retail stores. There are more than 2800 retail clinics across the United States. There are retail clinics within:

• Pharmacies or drugstores, such as Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid
• “big box” retailers, such as Walmart or Target
• Some supermarket chains, like Kroger, Giant Eagle, or ShopRite

Retail clinics generally take patients who walk in. Their medical staff is usually comprised of nurse assistants or physician practitioners.

Retail clinics provide convenient, day-to-day medical care for minor ailments and medical needs for adults as well as children. They can be helpful if you suffer from a minor health issue that is minor and don’t wish to wait around for a few days to schedule appointments with your healthcare doctor.

Some of the services available in a retail clinic could include:

• Treatment for minor ailments treatments for minor ailments, for example:
  • colds
  • Ear discomfort
  • Bug bites
  • minor wounds or cuts
  • Skin the rash
  • Strep throat
  • UTIs
• Basic laboratory tests
• regular health screenings
• vaccinations

In most cases, the price at retail clinics is standardized, meaning you’ll know a fair idea of what you can anticipate as far as price is as it relates to cost.

Some clinics also accept private insurance plans or Medicare.

8. Rural health clinics

Rural health clinics provide care to patients who are on Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. The aim that is purpose of the health clinics program is to improve access to health care services in communities that are rural and underserved communities.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that there are approximately 4500 rural health clinics across the United States.

Rural health clinics offer medically needed preventive or primary treatment. Medically essential if it is required to treat or diagnose a disease or condition.

If the clinic does not offer any specific service or service, the staff at the clinic may be in a position to help you arrange to receive medically needed treatment at a specialized hospital or clinic.

The clinics are usually run by the following kinds of health specialists:

• doctors
• Physician assistants
• nurse practitioners
• certified nurse-midwives
• Clinical psychologists
• Clinical social workers

9. Dialysis clinics

Dialysis clinics are one type of clinic that provides dialysis for patients suffering from kidney disease. Dialysis is a method that helps remove the waste and other dangerous substances from your blood.

Although some individuals may opt to do dialysis at home, there are advantages to visiting an ambulatory dialysis facility. For instance, if dialysis takes place at a clinic

• The procedure is overseen by qualified medical professionals.
• You don’t have to keep dialysis equipment at home.
• The opportunity to connect with others going through the same process.

There are downsides as well to going to dialysis centers. The disadvantages are:

• less flexible scheduling
• not having to journey to the clinic
• longer time between treatments

If you require dialysis to treat kidney problems, be sure to speak with your physician about which method of treatment is best suitable for your requirements.

10. Mobile clinics

The mobile clinic can be described as a specially-designed vehicle that can be rented out to different locations to offer medical assistance. There at presently around 2,000

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mobile health clinics throughout the United States.

Mobile clinics can be a useful method of providing crucial services to those living in areas that are not able to access healthcare, for example:

• insufficiently reliable transportation
• financial concerns regarding healthcare
• Health insurance is not very or at all
• Limited healthcare providers within the region
• Cultural or language barriers to communication

Although mobile clinics generally offer primary or preventive health treatment, they also offer other services, like:

• urgent care
• Pediatric treatment
• Mental health services
• dental care
• services for vision and hearing
• treatment of chronic health issues

How can you locate no-cost or low-cost clinics

If you’re worried about the cost associated with receiving health services from a medical clinic, you might think about checking out the options below.

Clinics that are free or low-cost

• Health centers for the community: These clinics can scale the cost of services depending on your ability to pay. It is possible to locate a clinic in your local area by making use of this Health Resources and Services Administration search tool.
• Mobile clinics: Mobile clinics provide those in need communities with affordable health care. They can locate nearby ones with your Mobile Health Map search tool.
• Clinics that are free and charity-based: Some clinics provide primary care at a low cost or at no cost. It is possible to find free or low-cost primary care. The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics website offers the ability to search for clinics and aid you in finding a no-cost or charitable clinic near your home.

The final line

There are a variety of health clinics offering outpatient services. A lot of clinics offer routine medical and preventive treatment, and others concentrate on specific kinds of treatment. Examples include clinics that are specialized or sexual health or mental health centers.

Certain types of clinics concentrate on providing preventive and primary healthcare to the underserved communities. Some examples of this include rural health clinics, community health centers, health clinics, and mobile clinics. Search online tools to find a clinic close to your location.