Ambulatori

Ambulatori are medical facilities or departments that provide care to patients who do not require hospital admission. The term is commonly used in Italian-speaking contexts and in many countries to describe outpatient clinics or clinics within hospitals. Ambulatori offer a wide range of services, including medical consultations, diagnostic evaluations, laboratory testing, imaging, vaccinations, and minor procedures that do not require overnight stay. They may be run as general practice clinics or as specialty units focused on areas such as cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, or pediatrics. Some ambulatori also perform ambulatory or day surgery, where patients undergo a procedure and are discharged the same day.

Organization and workflow: Patients typically schedule appointments, though some clinics accept walk-ins for urgent but non-emergency care. Teams usually include physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff. Records are kept in patient management systems to support continuity of care and referrals to inpatient services when needed.

Access and impact: Ambulatori improve access to care, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, and enable follow-up after acute events. They are funded through public health systems, private practice, or a mix, and are subject to regulatory standards for patient safety, privacy, and quality of care.

History and terminology: The word ambulatorio derives from Latin and Italian usage. In many health systems ambulatori are distinct from inpatient wards but closely integrated with hospital services.