Ambulatory Care

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.