secondary care

care (kār) the services rendered by members of the health professions for the benefit of a patient.

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coronary care  see under unit.

critical care  see intensive care unit, under unit.

intensive care  see under unit.

primary care  the care a patient receives at first contact with the health care system, usually involving coordination of care and continuity over time.

respiratory care 

1. the health care profession providing, under a physician's supervision, diagnostic evaluation, therapy, monitoring, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.

2. respiratory therapy; the diagnostic and therapeutic use of medical gases and their apparatus, and other forms of ventilatory support including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

secondary care  treatment by specialists to whom a patient has been referred by primary care providers.

tertiary care  treatment given in a health care center that includes highly trained specialists and often advanced technology.

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secondary care,

the provision of a specialized medical service by a physician specialist or a hospital on referral by a primary care physician.