Compare the roles of outpatient services and hospitals related to their place within the health care delivery system. How are they similar? How are they different?  

Both outpatient care and hospital services are essential to the system of providing health care. However, they fulfill different roles. Clinics and physician’s offices, which are outpatient services, provide preventative health care, diagnoses, and treatments for minor illnesses. They offer more efficient medical care because patients do not have to enter a hospital but still get the necessary care. In contrast, hospitalization is usually reserved for cases that are more severe and require specialized treatment.

In spite of their differing scopes, outpatient clinics and hospitals share the goal of providing high-quality patient care. They also promote prevention measures where possible. In addition, many health care organizations have developed coordinated systems to allow patients access the resources they need from any location, depending on individual needs.

By recognizing that these different facilities have distinct roles within the health care system, we will be able to ensure that everyone has access to the same medical treatment regardless of the location they choose to seek it. This in turn leads to better outcomes and reduces costs related to unnecessary hospital stays or ER visits.