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H e a lt h C a r e S y s t e m s 29 • Substance abuse clinics: provide rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse • Specialty clinics: provide care for specific diseases; examples include diabetic clinics, kidney dialysis centers, and oncology (cancer) clinics • Outpatient clinics: usually operated by hospitals or large medical groups; provide care for outpatients (patients who are not admitted to the hospital) • Health department clinics: may offer clinics for pediatric health care, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory disease, immunizations, and other special services • Medical center clinics: usually located in colleges or universities; offer clinics for various health conditions; offer care and treatment and provide learning experiences for medical students Optical Centers Optical centers can be individually owned by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or they can be part of a large chain of stores. They provide vision examinations, prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, and check for the presence of eye diseases. Emergency Care Services Emergency care services provide special care for victims of accidents or sudden illness. Facilities providing these services include ambulance services, both private and governmental; rescue squads, frequently operated by fire departments; emergency care clinics and centers; emergency departments operated by hospitals; and helicopter or airplane emergency services that rapidly transport patients to medical facilities for special care. Laboratories Laboratories are often a part of other facilities but can operate as separate health care services. Medical laboratories can perform special diagnostic tests such as blood or urine tests. Dental laboratories can prepare dentures (false teeth) and many other devices used to repair or replace teeth. Medical and dental offices, small hospitals, clinics, and many other health care facilities frequently use the services provided by laboratories. Home Health Care Home health care agencies are designed to provide care in a patient's home (Figure 2-2). The elderly and the d isabled frequently use the services of these agencies. Examples of such services include nursing care, personal care, therapy (physical, occupational, speech, respiratory), Figure 2-2 Many types of health care can be provided in a patient's home. © iStockphoto/Steve Debenport and homemaking (food preparation, cleaning, and other household tasks). Health departments, hospitals, private agencies, government agencies, and nonprofit or volunteer groups can offer home care services. Hospice Hospice agencies provide care for terminally ill persons who usually have life expectancies of 6 months or less. Care can be provided in the person's home or in a hospice facility. Hospice offers palliative care, or care that provides support and comfort, that is directed toward allowing the person to die with dignity. Psychological, social, spiritual, and financial counseling are provided for both the patient and the family. Hospice also provides support to the family following a patient's death. Mental Health Facilities Mental health facilities treat patients with mental disorders and diseases. Examples of these facilities include guidance and counseling centers, psychiatric clinics and hospitals, chemical abuse treatment centers (dealing with alcohol and drug abuse), and physical abuse treatment centers (dealing with child abuse, spousal abuse, and geriatric [elderly] abuse). Genetic Counseling Centers Genetic counseling centers can be independent facilities or can be located in another facility such as a hospital, clinic, or physician's office. Genetic counselors work with couples or individuals who are pregnant or considering a pregnancy. They perform prenatal (before birth) screening tests, check for genetic abnormalities and birth defects, explain the results of the tests, identify medical options when a birth defect is present, and help the individuals cope with the psychological issues caused by a genetic disorder. Examples of genetic