A patient receiving care without being admitted to a hospital is referred to as what?

A patient receiving care without being admitted to a hospital is referred to as an outpatient. This term describes individuals who visit a hospital or clinic for diagnosis or treatment but do not stay overnight. Outpatients typically receive various services including routine check-ups, minor procedures, and rehabilitation, allowing them to return home the same day.

In contrast, the term “inpatient” refers to those who are admitted to the hospital and stay there for at least one night for more intensive care. Other terms, such as “emergency patient” or “admission patient,” are not standard classifications for those who receive care without an overnight stay, as they imply a different level of care or context regarding hospital admission. Therefore, the correct term in this scenario is outpatient.