private clinic

[ˈpraɪvət ˈklɪnɪk]
nounpl: private clinics
clínica privada
1. A medical facility that is privately owned and operated, typically requiring patient payment for services either directly or through private insurance
She decided to have her surgery at a private clinic instead of waiting at the public hospital.
Ela decidiu fazer sua cirurgia em uma clínica privada em vez de esperar no hospital público.
2. A specialized medical center focused on specific treatments or procedures, operated independently from government healthcare systems
The private clinic specializes in dermatology and cosmetic procedures.
A clínica privada se especializa em dermatologia e procedimentos estéticos.
In Brazil, private clinics represent an important parallel healthcare system, widely used by those with private insurance or financial means. The choice between public (SUS - Sistema Único de Saúde) and private clinics is a significant socioeconomic factor. Private clinics often offer faster service and more amenities but at higher cost. In the USA, private clinics are the standard model, whereas in Portugal, there is a stronger public system but private clinics coexist.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
private hospitalprivate medical centerprivate health facilityindependent clinic
Antonyms / Antônimos
public clinicpublic hospitalgovernment clinicstate hospital

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
clínica privada
Standard term used throughout Brazil for privately-owned medical clinics
São Paulo
clínica particular
Common alternative term in São Paulo and surrounding region
Rio de Janeiro
clínica privada
Standard usage; sometimes referred to as 'consultório' if small individual practice
Portugal
clínica privada
Same terminology used, though Portuguese system has different public/private healthcare balance

Related Words

healthcaremedical facilitypatientphysicianprivate insuranceconsultation

Related Idioms & Phrases

go private - escolher atendimento privado
private practice - consultório/clínica particular
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