Healthcare Services Industry Overview

Dentists are health practitioners who operate private or group practices in their own premises or in other facilities such as hospitals or health maintenance organization (HMO) medical centers. They provide dental preventive, cosmetic maintenance and/or emergency care. They might also specialize in a single field of dentistry.

Healthcare services deal with medical and remedial care service. Healthcare services also include furnishing medicine, medical or surgical treatment, nursing, hospital service, dental service, optometrical service and other complementary health services.

Home health care refers to wide range of health care services that are provided to individuals at their residence for any illness or injury. Residential nursing care refers to provision of long- or short-term care for individuals who suffer from serious or persistent health issues or need recuperation services.

Hospitals and outpatient centers are medical facilities that provide diagnostic and medical treatment to patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Outpatient care centers offer medical care or treatment that does not require any overnight stay in a hospital or medical facility. Outpatient care may be carried out in a medical office or at hospital. The hospital industry comprises general medical and surgical hospitals, psychiatric and substance abuse services, patient care services and specialty hospitals services providing diagnostic and treatment to inpatients with medical conditions.

Medical and diagnostic laboratories perform tests on clinical specimens in order to gain insights and information on patients' health conditions. Tests performed on the clinical specimens’ aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. These laboratories are distinct from the medical research laboratories involved in development of new drugs and treatments.

Health practitioners are professionals trained to provide care and treatment services. Physicians, also called doctors, are healthcare practitioners licensed to practice medicine, including diagnosing illnesses and prescribing treatments. Other health practitioners include physician assistants, nurses, midwives, dietitians, therapists, physical therapists, operating department practitioners, emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

Residential substance abuse and mental health facilities provide medical services, room, board, supervision and counseling services to patients suffering from mental illness or substance abuse. Substance abuse refers to uncontrolled use of harmful drugs that leads to many health issues including psychological and behavioral problems and even medication reactions. Mental disorders refer to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect the mood, thinking and behavior of an individual.

Home health care providers offer services to adults, seniors, and pediatric clients who are recovering after a hospital or facility stay, or need additional support to stay at home. Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient, and provide services similar to skilled nursing facilities in hospital. These services include feeding, health aid services, personal care, physical Therapy and other basic assistance services.