Tertiary care

Tertiary Care is a level of health care obtained from specialists in a large hospital after referral from the providers of primary care and secondary care. Tertiary care services are highly specialized and are specifically designed to treat individuals suffering from complex and severe diseases or injuries.

Overview

Tertiary care is one of the three levels of health care system, the other two being primary care and secondary care. It is the third level of care, utilized by patients who require specialists’ attention for a more comprehensive treatment. This level of care is known for its advanced level of medical investigation and treatment, such as neurosurgery, severe burn treatment, and complex surgeries.

Services

Tertiary care services include a wide range of medical services and procedures. These include complex surgical procedures, cancer treatment, inpatient psychiatric services, and advanced diagnostic imaging services. Tertiary care services are usually performed by specialist healthcare providers in a centralized and highly sophisticated hospital setting.

Referral System

Patients are usually referred to terinary care by their primary care physician or secondary care provider. The referral system ensures that patients receive the most appropriate care at the most appropriate level. The referral system also helps in managing healthcare costs by avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations and procedures.

See Also

• Primary Care
• Secondary Care
• Healthcare System
• Referral System

Tertiary care Resources
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