Medical care

Medical care refers to the provision of services by trained and licensed professionals to protect, promote, and restore health. It encompasses a broad range of services, from preventive care to treatment and management of acute and chronic diseases.

Overview

Medical care is a critical component of the healthcare system. It involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, illnesses, injuries, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Medical care is delivered by health professionals and allied health fields. Physicians and physician associates are a part of these health professionals.

Types of Medical Care

Medical care can be categorized into several types, including primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care.

Primary Care

Primary care is the first point of contact for patients and involves the widest scope of healthcare, including all ages of patients, patients of all socioeconomic and geographic origins, patients seeking to maintain optimal health, and patients with multiple chronic diseases.

Secondary Care

Secondary care includes acute care, which is necessary treatment for a short period of time for a brief but serious illness, injury, or other health condition. This care can be hospital-based, involve surgical care, or emergency care.

Tertiary Care

Tertiary care is specialized consultative healthcare, usually for inpatients and on referral from a primary or secondary health professional, in a facility that has personnel and facilities for advanced medical investigation and treatment.

Access to Medical Care

Access to medical care varies across countries, groups, and individuals, largely influenced by social and economic conditions as well as health policies. Providing healthcare services means "the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best possible health outcomes."

See Also

• Healthcare system
• Primary care
• Secondary care
• Tertiary care