Etymology

The word derives from the Greek klinein meaning to slope, lean or recline. Hence kline is a couch or bed, klinikos is sloping or reclining and Latin is clinicus.^[2] An early use of the word clinic was, 'one who receives baptism on a sick bed'.^[3]

Function

The function of clinics will differ from country to country. For instance, a local general practice run by a single general practitioner will provide primary health care, and will usually be run as a for-profit business by the owner whereas a government specialist clinic may provide subsidized specialized health care.

Some clinics function as a place for people with injuries or illnesses to come and be seen by triage nurse or other health worker. In these clinics, the injury or illness may not be serious enough to warrant a visit to an emergency room, but the person can be moved to one if required. Treatment at these clinics is often less expensive than it would be at a casualty department. Also, unlike an ER these clinics are often not open on a 24 x 7 x 365 basis. They sometimes have access to diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines, especially if the clinic is part of a larger facility. Doctors at such clinics can often refer patients to specialists if the need arises.

Types

There are many different types of clinics providing outpatient services. Such clinics may be public (government funded) or private medical practices.

• A CLSC are in Quebec they are a type of free clinic funded by the provincal government they provide service not cover by Canada's health care plan including social workers

• In the United States, a free clinic provides free or low-cost health care for those without insurance.

• A Retail Based Clinic is housed in supermarkets and similar retail outlets providing walk-in health care, which may be staffed by nurse practitioners.

• A general out-patient clinic is a clinic offering a community general diagnoses or treatments without an overnight stay.

• A polyclinic is a place where a wide range of health care services (including diagnostics) can be obtained without need of an overnight stay

• A specialist clinic is a clinic providing advanced diagnostic or treatment services for specific diseases or parts of the body. This type of clinic contrasts with general out-patient clinics, which deal with general health conditions and disease categories.

  • A sexual health clinic deals with sexual health related problems, such as prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

  • A fertility clinic aims to help women and couples to become pregnant.

  • An abortion clinic is a medical facility providing abortion and related medical services to women.

  • An ambulatory surgery clinic offers outpatient or same day surgery services, usually for surgical procedures less complicated than those requiring hospitalization.

Examples

• Tavistock Clinic, part of the British NHS, was founded in 1920's. One of its most celebrated members was R D Laing.

• The Suitcase Clinic, the Berkeley Free Clinic, and the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic are examples of free clinics.

• Christian Medical College & Hospital in Vellore, India has extensive roadside dispensaries and began as a one bed clinic in 1900.

• The Edmonton Clinic is a joint venture of the University of Alberta and government health care body Capital health, expected to be completed in 2011.

• The Shyness Clinic founded by Zimbardo to assist those disabled by public or private shyness.

• La Borde clinic in the Loire valley France, is an innovative psychiatric clinic where patients are liberated to actively participate in the running of the facility.

• The Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Marshfield Clinic and Lahey Clinic are examples of comprehensive health care systems, all having began as much smaller group practices that have since grown into large medical programs in the United States, whilst retaining their names.

• The Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic, a non-profit, volunteer-supported Free Clinic in Pontiac, Michigan.

• The Balaji Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Clinic "for muscle, joint, back pain, stroke and spine rehabilitation treatments"^[4] in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.