10 Types of Health Clinics and the Services Provided - Health care

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

Retail clinics are available within stores. It is estimated that there are more than 2,800 retail clinics throughout the United States. You can find local 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

Retail clinics usually accept walking. Their health care workers are usually made up of medical assistants or nurses.

Retail clinics provide appropriate, uniform daycare for minor ailments and health care needs for both adults and children. These clinics can be useful if you have a minor health problem and do not want to wait a few days to get an appointment with your primary care provider.

Some of the services offered at a retail clinic may include:

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

In most cases, the price at a retail clinic is high, so you have a good idea of what to expect in terms of cost.

Some clinics may also offer private insurance programs or Medicare.

8. Rural clinics

Rural clinics help people with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. The rural clinic program aims to provide better access to care in rural areas, in marginalized communities.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that there are approximately 4,500 rural health clinics in the United States.

Rural clinics provide the necessary primary or preventive care. The service is considered medically necessary if it is necessary to diagnose or treat an illness or condition.

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.

These clinics are usually operated by the following types of health professionals:

doctors
medical assistants
nurses
certified nurses-midwives
clinical psychologists
clinical social workers

9. Dialysis Clinics

A dialysis clinic is a special type of clinic that provides dialysis to people with kidney problems. Dialysis is a procedure that helps to filter out waste products and other substances that can be harmful to your blood.

Although some people may choose to have dialysis at home, there are some benefits to going to a dialysis clinic. For example, if dialysis is done at the clinic:

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.

There are also problems going to the dialysis clinic. Some of the obstacles include:

slightly flexible planning
I have to go to the clinic
most of the time between treatments

If you need dialysis to treat kidney failure, be sure to talk to your doctor about which treatment may be best for you and your needs.

10. Mobile clinics

A mobile clinic is a custom car that travels to different places to provide medical services. It is estimated that there are currently approximately 2,000 Trusted Source mobile clinics in the United States.

Mobile clinics are an important tool for providing essential services to communities with barriers to accessing health care, such as:

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

If you are concerned about the cost of accessing health care services at the clinic, you may want to consider checking the following services.

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.

An important point

There are many types of health clinics that provide outpatient care. Many clinics offer general medical and preventive care, while others focus on specific types of care. Other examples include specialized clinics, sex clinics, and mental health clinics.

Other types of clinics focus on providing primary care and prevention in marginalized communities. Examples of this could include community health centers, rural health clinics, and mobile clinics. You can use online search tools to find one near you.

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