What is an Outpatient?
An outpatient is someone who goes to a hospital or clinic for a procedure which does not require a stay overnight. Care provided to outpatients is sometimes known as ambulatory care, in a reference to the fact that the patients can often walk in and walk out, because the procedures are simple and quick. Many health providers like to offer as much care as possible on an outpatient basis, because it cuts down on costs for health providers and patients alike, and it can keep a clinic or hospital running smoothly.