Outpatient care refers to medical services provided without an overnight hospital stay, including doctor's office visits, diagnostic tests, minor procedures, and same-day surgeries where patients return home the same day. The shift toward outpatient care has grown significantly with medical advances allowing procedures previously requiring hospitalization to be performed on a day basis. Outpatient services are generally less expensive than inpatient hospital stays. Provincial health systems fund various outpatient services, while wait times for outpatient procedures can be significant concerns. Understanding the distinction between inpatient and outpatient care helps citizens navigate healthcare options and understand health system discussions.