University hospitals are large hospitals that are closely linked to a university's medical faculty. They offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic, therapeutic and nursing services and often focus on specialised and complex medical treatments. These clinics are also centres for research and teaching.
Hospitals
Small hospitals play an important role in healthcare provision, especially in rural areas or smaller towns. These hospitals offer both outpatient and inpatient care, but are generally not as comprehensively equipped as large clinics or university hospitals. In particular, only limited research takes place here. Sometimes these hospitals are so-called teaching hospitals, meaning they train doctors and Radiographers (Medizinische Technologen für Radiologie, MTR) like university hospitals.
Small hospitals are often well integrated into the local healthcare network and work closely with general practitioners and larger hospitals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Medical practices
Medical practices are the most common form of outpatient care facility and are intended to be the first point of contact for patients. There are different types of surgeries, including GP surgeries and specialist surgeries. GPs provide basic medical care, check-ups and treat general illnesses.
Specialists, on the other hand, specialise in specific medical fields such as cardiology, dermatology or orthopaedics.
