What are the 4 major categories of health care services?
Major Categories of Health Care Services
Health care services are generally grouped into four major categories, each serving a unique function in promoting, restoring, or maintaining health:
- Health Promotion
This category focuses on activities that improve overall well-being and prevent illness before it occurs. Examples include education on healthy lifestyles, immunizations, and community health initiatives.
- Disease Prevention
Services in this category aim to reduce the risk of developing health problems or detecting diseases early. This includes screenings, vaccinations, and counseling for at-risk populations.
- Diagnosis and Treatment
This is the most visible category, involving identifying diseases and providing appropriate interventions. It includes physician visits, hospital care, surgeries, laboratory tests, and medications.
- Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation services help restore patients to their highest possible level of functioning after illness or injury. This includes physical, occupational, and speech therapies, as well as support for chronic conditions.