Question

Can ambulatory care facilities provide treatment for chronic diseases?

Answer 1

Ambulatory care refers to medical services performed on an outpatient basis, without admission to a hospital or other facility. Ambulatory care is provided in settings such as dialysis clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, hospital outpatient departments, and the offices of physicians and other health professionals. Comprehensive ambulatory care for persons with special health needs, including developmental disabilities, can improve outcomes by reducing secondary complications and thereby reduce costs.Ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) are health conditions where appropriate ambulatory care prevents or reduces the need for hospital admission (or inpatient care), such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Many medical investigations and treatments for acute and chronic illnesses and preventive health care can be performed on an ambulatory basis, including minor surgical and medical procedures, most types of dental services, dermatology services, and many types of diagnostic procedures (e.g. blood tests, X-rays, endoscopy and biopsy procedures of superficial organs). Other types of ambulatory care services include emergency visits, rehabilitation visits, and in some cases telephone consultations

The prevalence of multiple chronic diseases like diabetes, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, peripheral vascular disease and end stage renal failure is increasing and is a common problem for primary health care providers.The burden of care for persons with multiple chronic diseases is considerable and falls largely on the primary health care provider. However persons with no or one chronic disease are responsible for the largest number of ambulatory health care visits overall. burden of disease on the patient, as measured by mean number of ambulatory health care visits per year  was higher for those with multiple chronic diseases, the overall impact on the primary health care system was relatively small.Primary health care plays a strong and vital role in managing chronic diseases.Continued investment in primary health care is needed both to care for those with multiple diseases and to prevent the accumulation of chronic diseases with aging.

so an ambulatory care can provide effective treatment for chronic diseases.