Understanding the Difference Between Patients and Illness
A patient is a person who receives health care services from medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentist, physical therapist, psychotherapist, chiropractor, veterinarian, or any other healthcare professional. Patients are not only those patients who receive treatment from the healthcare professions but also patients who are physically or mentally challenged. Some patients are in pain, unable to move, have disabilities which affect their ability to communicate, or have diseases. In some cases, patients have illnesses and disorders that could lead to death if left untreated. The first thing that people usually think of when they think about patients are those who are ill or injured. People usually associate the word patient with people who are sick. The medical profession and its patients are actually very different. There are many patients in the healthcare industry who need medical attention and need treatment but don't necessarily qualify as being sick. The patient can