Definition

1. Noun:
   • A patient who receives medical treatment without staying overnight in a hospital: An "outpatient" is a person who visits a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility for diagnosis, treatment, or therapy and then leaves the same day. This contrasts with an "inpatient," who is admitted for a stay that lasts at least one night.

Usage

• The term "outpatient" is used to describe the status of a patient or the type of care provided. It is commonly used in healthcare contexts to refer to services, departments, or procedures.
• Example: "The hospital has a large outpatient clinic for follow-up appointments."

Examples

• Noun:
  • She is an outpatient at the city hospital, receiving physical therapy twice a week.
  • The new outpatient surgery center allows for quicker recovery at home.
  • Most dental procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.

Advanced Usage

• "on an outpatient basis": This phrase describes the manner in which medical care is provided, meaning the patient is not admitted to the hospital.
  • The minor operation was performed on an outpatient basis.

Variants and Related Words

• Outpatient care / services (noun phrase): Medical treatment provided to patients who are not lodged in the hospital.
  • The expansion will increase capacity for outpatient services.
• Outpatient department (OPD) (noun phrase): The section of a hospital dedicated to treating outpatients.
  • You need to register at the OPD first.

Synonyms

• Ambulatory patient: A formal or technical term for a patient who is able to walk and is not bedridden, often used interchangeably with "outpatient" in medical contexts.
• Non-resident patient: A patient who does not reside in the treatment facility (less common).

Antonyms

• Inpatient (noun): A patient who is admitted to a hospital for a stay that spans at least one night.

Noun

1. a patient who does not reside in the hospital where he is being treated