Ancillary Care Definition:
Ancillary care refers to the additional medical services and support provided to patients to complement primary medical treatment and enhance overall healthcare outcomes.
Main Characteristics of Ancillary Care:
- Supplementary: Ancillary care services are supplementary to primary medical treatment, filling any gaps in services or addressing specific needs.
- Supportive: Ancillary care focuses on providing support and assistance to patients, helping them cope with their conditions and improving their quality of life.
- Specialized: Ancillary care involves specialized services delivered by healthcare professionals, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, or diagnostic testing.
- Coordinated: Ancillary care is coordinated and integrated with primary healthcare services to ensure seamless and comprehensive patient care.
- Customized: Ancillary care services are tailored to meet individual patient needs, taking into consideration their medical conditions, preferences, and requirements.
Examples of Ancillary Care Services:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Nutrition counseling
- Diagnostic imaging
- Laboratory testing
- Pharmacy services
- Medical equipment and supplies provision