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Outpatient services

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

Generally, 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, laboratory 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.

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
Last Updated April 17, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 17, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.