A clinic is a health facility where you receive outpatient care.
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There are many types of clinics. Some practices alone, while others may be associated with a hospital or university. You can even find health clinics within the grocery store.
The services provided by each type of clinic can vary greatly, too. Some clinics offer a variety of health care services while others offer specialized care.
Below we will explore 10 different types of health clinics, service providers, and how to get affordable care.
1. Primary care clinics
One of the most popular types of clinics is those that focus on primary care. Primary care clinics cover a variety of general and preventive health care services, such as:
- body of the year
- laboratory tests, such as blood tests and urine tests
- goals
- diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
- beware of minor symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion
- treatment of common ailments such as colds, flu, or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- treatment for other injuries, such as minor cuts or burns
The doctors you will see at the primary care clinic make the most common medicine in their field. This could include family medicine, home remedies, or children.
However, you may encounter other types of health professionals, such as medical assistants and nurses.
Additionally, some primary care clinics may offer services at low or no cost. These clinics can be referred to as free or aid clinics.
2. Special clinics
Although the primary care clinic offers a variety of services, the specialized clinic focuses on a specific area of treatment. Providers at the specialized clinic will have specialized training focusing on medical fields such as:
- heart disease
- dentist
- dermatology
- ear, nose, and throat (ENT)
- gastroenterology
- gynecology and obstetrics
- neurology
- nutrition
- oncology
- ophthalmology
- bones
- podiatry
- physical therapy
- sports tree
- urology
Specialized clinics are often associated with a health care system or hospital team, but can also be practiced alone.
If you need care that can only be provided by a specialist, your primary care provider can provide you with referral space.
3. Sex clinics
This type of clinic focuses on the sexual and reproductive health of both women and men. You can visit a sex clinic for many types of services, such as:
- access to contraceptives, such as condoms, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- pelvic examination
- screening for other types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and testicular cancer
- Pregnancy tests and birth tests
- vaccination against diseases such as HPV or hepatitis B
- HIV services, including testing, treatment, and access to preventive medicine (PrEP and PEP)
- assisting with men’s health conditions, such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
- childcare counseling or referral
- vasectomy
- abortion services or transfers
- advice on adoption
- counseling follows sexual harassment
It is important to note that the types of services offered may vary by clinic.
If you are looking for a particular type of service, contact your clinic in person to find out if they offer the kind of care you want.
4. Mental health clinics
If you are worried about your mental health, this type of clinic can provide you with the treatment and services you need.
Healthcare providers working in a mental health clinic are focused on helping diagnose and treat many types of mental health conditions. Some examples of these situations include but are not limited to:
- anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic
- stress disorder (PTSD)
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- schizophrenia
- drug use problems
- food disorders
Other health care providers you may meet at a mental health clinic include psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. The services they provide may include:
- diagnosis of mental health conditions
- outpatient counseling, which may be individual, group, or family location
- prescription medications to help manage mental health conditions
- case management services
- support services, such as help with medication management or building a support network
5. Addiction services clinics
These types of clinics provide outpatient services for people recovering from substance abuse problems.
In general, outpatient services clinics are best targeted at people with:
- stable residence
- a strong social network
- reliable transportation
- dental care
- mental health care
- treatment or counseling for substance abuse problems
6. Public health facilities
A community health center is a type of community-run clinic supported by organizational support. They are intended to help communities that may not have access to affordable health care.
To get a government subsidy, a public health facility must meet the following five criteria:
- provide health care services in an area or community that is defined as poorly maintained
- to provide comprehensive primary care in conjunction with supportive services such as health education and translation
- adjust the cost of services based on the individual’s ability to pay
- headed by a board made up mostly of community members
- to meet additional operational, financial, and administrative requirements
In addition to primary care, other services may be integrated with the community health center. Other examples include:
- dental care
- mental health care
- treatment or counseling for substance abuse problems
7. Retail clinics
- drug stores or pharmacies, such as Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid
- “Big boxes” retailers, such as Walmart or Target
- other supermarket chains, such as Kroger, Big Eagle, and ShopRite
- treatment of minor ailments, such as:
- colds
- ear pain
- bedbug infestation
- small cuts or wounds
- skin rash
- throat
- UTIs
- basic laboratory tests
- routine medical check-ups
- goals
8. Rural clinics
If the clinic does not provide a particular service, clinic staff can arrange for you to receive the necessary medical care at a hospital or specialized clinic.
- doctors
- medical assistants
- nurses
- certified nurses-midwives
- clinical psychologists
- clinical social workers
9. Dialysis Clinics
- The procedure is overseen by trained medical professionals.
- You do not need to have dialysis equipment in your home.
- You get a chance to connect with others who do the same process.
- slightly flexible planning
- I have to go to the clinic
- most of the time between treatments
10. Mobile clinics
- lack of reliable transportation
- financial concerns about health care
- little or no health insurance
- limited healthcare providers in the area
- language or cultural barriers
Although mobile clinics often provide primary care or protection, they can also provide other services, such as:
- emergency care
- child care
- mental health services
- dental care
- hearing and visual services
- management of chronic health conditions
How to get the cheapest or most expensive clinics
Cheap or inexpensive clinics
- Community health facilities. These clinics measure the cost of care based on your ability to pay. You can find one in your area using the Health Resources and Services Administration search tool.
- Mobile clinics. Mobile clinics help provide marginalized communities with access to affordable health care. You can find one near you by using the Mobile Health Map search tool.
- Free and supportive clinics. Some clinics may offer basic care at low or no cost. The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics website has a search tool to help you find a free or charitable clinic near you.
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