Clínica

Clínica is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking contexts to describe a healthcare facility that provides outpatient medical services. The word derives from clinical settings where patient examination and treatment occur at the bedside. In many countries, clínica refers to a private or publicly affiliated center that offers primary care or specialized medical services without typically maintaining overnight hospital beds.

Clinics deliver a range of services, including medical consultations, preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, minor procedures, laboratory testing, imaging, vaccinations, and referrals to other services. Some clinics are multispecialty, offering several disciplines under one roof, while others are focused on a single area such as dentistry, dermatology, cardiology, or mental health. Urgent care clinics provide non-emergency, walk-in services, bridging gaps between primary care and emergency departments. Ambulatory surgery centers are a type of clinic where patients undergo procedures that do not require overnight admission.

Organization and staffing vary by region and model. Clinics may be standalone or affiliated with hospitals, universities, or private practices. Teams commonly include physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners or physician assistants, technicians, and administrative staff. Funding can come from public health systems, private insurance, or direct payments, and regulatory oversight covers licensing, privacy, and quality standards.

Clinics often serve as the first point of contact in a health system, emphasizing accessible, outpatient care. The distinction between a clínica and a hospital lies mainly in the level of inpatient services; many clinics function as gateways to more comprehensive hospital-based care when needed. In some contexts, clínica also refers to a private medical practice or group practice.