Ambulatory Care
Updated: 29 February 2024
What Does Ambulatory Care Mean?
Ambulatory care is healthcare provided to a patient who does not have to stay in a hospital or other medical facility. Medical standards decide whether a person should receive this care or remain hospitalized.
It is often used as a synonym for outpatient care.
Insuranceopedia Explains Ambulatory Care
The severity of a person’s condition, as interpreted by a physician or health professional following health industry standards, is what makes them either an ambulatory care patient or a patient requiring hospitalization.
Hospitalized patients may, after treatment and observation, start receiving ambulatory care instead of remaining hospitalized for a longer period of time.