Elective care refers to prearranged medical treatments undertaken in advance.
This guide by experts from Friendswood Community Hospital entails more information regarding elective care, including what it entails, its importance, and some examples of elective care services. Continue reading for more information or visit us today for any inquiries.
What is Elective Care?
As aforementioned, elective care can be defined as prearranged medical procedures. One of the types of elective care is surgical procedures, where non-urgent procedures that can be planned for a later date are regarded as elective care. Such surgical procedures include:
- Cataract Surgery – A procedure to restore vision by removing a cloudy lens.
- Hip or Knee Replacement – Joint replacement surgeries to relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Tonsillectomy – Surgical removal of the tonsils, often to prevent recurrent infections.
- Hernia Repair – Surgery to fix a hernia, which is typically not an emergency.
- Cosmetic Surgery – Procedures like rhinoplasty or liposuction for aesthetic purposes.
- Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) – Removal of the gallbladder to treat gallstones or other issues.
- Gastric Bypass Surgery – A weight-loss surgery for individuals struggling with obesity.
- Elective Cardiovascular Procedures – Such as angioplasty for treating blocked arteries in a non-emergency setting.
- Sinus Surgery – Procedures to alleviate chronic sinusitis or other nasal issues.
- Orthopedic Surgery – Non-urgent surgeries to correct bone or joint issues, like ACL reconstruction.
Elective care is an effective part of the healthcare system. It aids in the management of chronic illnesses and enhances overall quality of life. Eventually, it helps avoid more severe problems with proactive treatment and monitoring.
Other Types of Elective Care
Apart from elective surgical care services, there are many other types of elective care services essential for sustaining good health. They also assist in avoiding significant health problems and making better use of healthcare resources. They include
Mental Health Services
- Therapy and counselling
- Medication management
Diagnostic Procedures
- Imaging
- Endoscopy
- Biopsies
Rehabilitative Services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
Chronic Disease Management
- Diabetes care
- Hypertension
- Cardiac care
Surgical Procedures
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Cosmetic surgery
- Gastrointestinal surgery
Preventative Services
- Screenings
- Vaccinations
Reproductive Health
- Fertility treatments
- Gynaecological procedures
Dental Care
- Orthodontics
- Oral surgery
- Routine care
Importance of Elective Care Services
The provision of elective care services is of paramount importance within the healthcare system. It is vital for the maintenance and enhancement of patient health. It enhances the health system’s efficiency and minimizes overall medical costs. In essence, some of the importance of elective care include:
- Efficient Use of Resources – It allows for better planning and efficient use of healthcare resources.
- Reduced Emergency Visits – Proper elective care can reduce the need for emergency room visits.
- Cost-Effective Care – Planning elective care can be more cost-effective compared to emergency interventions.
- Customized Treatment Plans – Elective care ensures treatment plans are customized to the patient’s specific situation.
- Prevention of Complications – It helps prevent potential complications from untreated conditions.
- Improved Quality of Life – Elective procedures can significantly enhance a patient’s overall quality of life.
- Patient-Centered Care – Elective care provides personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
Contact Friendswood Community Hospital today for any inquiries.
