Industries in the Ambulatory Health Care Services subsector provide health care services directly or indirectly to ambulatory patients and do not usually provide inpatient services. Health practitioners in this subsector provide outpatient services, with the facilities and equipment not usually being the most significant part of the production process.
62111 Offices of Physicians
This industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of M.D.
(Doctor of medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of osteopathy) primarily engaged in the independent
practice of general or specialized medicine (e.g., anesthesiology, oncology, ophthalmology,
psychiatry) or surgery. These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own
offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO
medical centers.
Cross-References.
- Medical centers primarily engaged in providing emergency medical care for accident or trauma victims and ambulatory surgical centers primarily engaged in providing surgery on an outpatient basis are classified in Industry 62149, Other Outpatient Care Centers;
- Establishments of oral pathologists are classified in Industry 62121, Offices of Dentists; and
- Establishments of speech or voice pathologists are classified in Industry 62134, Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists.
621111 Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)
This U.S. industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of M.D.
(Doctor of medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of osteopathy) primarily engaged in the independent
practice of general or specialized medicine (except psychiatry or psychoanalysis) or surgery.
These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers,
clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.
Cross-References.
- Establishments of physicians primarily engaged in the independent practice of psychiatry or psychoanalysis are classified in U.S. Industry 621112, Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists;
- Freestanding medical centers primarily engaged in providing emergency medical care for accident or catastrophe victims and freestanding ambulatory surgical centers primarily engaged in providing surgery on an outpatient basis are classified in U.S. Industry 621493, Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers;
- Establishments of oral pathologists are classified in Industry 621210, Offices of Dentists; and
- Establishments of speech or voice pathologists are classified in Industry 621340, Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists.
621112 Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists
This U.S. industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of M.D.
(Doctor of medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of osteopathy) primarily engaged in the independent
practice of psychiatry or psychoanalysis. These practitioners operate private or group
practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as
hospitals or HMO medical centers.
62121 Offices of Dentists
See industry description for 621210 below.
621210 Offices of Dentists
This industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of D.M.D.
(Doctor of dental medicine), D.D.S. (Doctor of dental surgery), or D.D.Sc. (Doctor of dental
science) primarily engaged in the independent practice of general or specialized dentistry or
dental surgery. These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices
(e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical
centers. They can provide either comprehensive preventive, cosmetic, or emergency care, or
specialize in a single field of dentistry.
Cross-References.
- Establishments known as dental laboratories primarily engaged in making dentures, artificial teeth, and orthodontic appliances to order for dentists are classified U.S. Industry 339116, Dental Laboratories; and
- Establishments of dental hygienists primarily engaged in cleaning teeth and gums or establishments of denturists primarily engaged in taking impressions for and fitting dentures are classified in U.S. Industry 621399, Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners.
6213 Offices of Other Health Practitioners
This industry group comprises establishments of independent health practitioners (except
physicians and dentists).
62131 Offices of Chiropractors
See industry description for 621310 below.
621310 Offices of Chiropractors
This industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of D.C.
(Doctor of chiropractic) primarily engaged in the independent practice of chiropractic. These
practitioners provide diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of neuromusculoskeletal and related
disorders through the manipulation and adjustment of the spinal column and extremities, and
operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the
facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.
62132 Offices of Optometrists
See industry description for 621320 below.
621320 Offices of Optometrists
This industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of O.D.
(Doctor of optometry) primarily engaged in the independent practice of optometry. These
practitioners provide eye examinations to determine visual acuity or the presence of vision
problems and to prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye exercises. They operate private
or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of
others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers, and may also provide the same service as
opticians, such as selling and fitting prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Cross-References.
- Opticians primarily engaged in selling and fitting prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses - classified in Industry 446130, Optical Goods Stores; and
- Offices of physicians primarily engaged in the independent practice of ophthalmology - classified in U.S. Industry 621111, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists).
62133 Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)
See industry description for 621330 below.
621330 Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except
Physicians)
This industry comprises establishments of independent mental health practitioners (except
physicians) primarily engaged in (1) the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and
behavioral disorders and/or (2) the diagnosis and treatment of individual or group social
dysfunction brought about by such causes as mental illness, alcohol and substance abuse,
physical and emotional trauma, or stress. These practitioners operate private or group
practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as
hospitals or HMO medical centers.
Cross-References.
- Establishments of psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, and psychotherapists having the degree of M.D. (Doctor of medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of osteopathy) are classified in U.S. Industry 621112, Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists.
62134 Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and
Audiologists
See industry description for 621340 below.
621340 Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and
Audiologists
This industry comprises establishments of independent health practitioners primarily engaged in
one of the following: (1) administering medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for
patients suffering from injuries or muscle, nerve, joint, and bone disease; (2) planning and
administering educational, recreational, and social activities designed to help patients or
individuals with disabilities, regain physical or mental functioning or to adapt to their
disabilities; and (3) diagnosing and treating speech, language, or hearing problems. These
practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics)
or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.
Illustrative Examples:
Audiologists' offices; Recreational (e.g., art, dance, music) therapists' offices; Industrial
therapists' offices; Speech pathologists' offices; Occupational therapists' offices; Physical
therapists' offices.
62139 Offices of All Other Health Practitioners
This industry comprises establishments of independent health practitioners (except physicians;
dentists; chiropractors; optometrists; mental health specialists; physical, occupational, and
speech therapists; and audiologists). These practitioners operate private or group practices in
their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or
HMO medical centers.
Illustrative Examples:
Acupuncturists' (except MDs or DOs) offices; Inhalation or respiratory therapists' offices;
Dental hygienists' offices; Midwives' offices; Denturists' offices; Naturopaths' offices;
Dietitians' offices; Podiatrists' offices; Homeopaths' offices; Registered or licensed
practical nurses' offices.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- The independent practice of medicine (i.e., physicians) - classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians;
- The independent practice of dentistry - classified in Industry 62121, Offices of Dentists;
- The independent practice of chiropractic - classified in Industry 62131, Offices of Chiropractors;
- The independent practice of optometry - classified in Industry 62132, Offices of Optometrists;
- The independent practice of mental health (except physicians) - classified in Industry 62133, Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians); and
- The independent practice of physical, occupational, and speech therapy and audiology - classified in Industry 62134, Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists.
621391 Offices of Podiatrists
This U.S. industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of D.P.
(Doctor of podiatry) primarily engaged in the independent practice of podiatry. These
practitioners diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the foot and operate private or
group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others,
such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.
621399 Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners
This U.S. industry comprises establishments of independent health practitioners (except
physicians; dentists; chiropractors; optometrists; mental health specialists; physical,
occupational, and speech therapists; audiologists; and podiatrists). These practitioners
operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the
facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.
Illustrative Examples:
Acupuncturists' (except MDs or DOs) offices; Hypnotherapists' offices; Dental hygienists'
offices; Inhalation or respiratory therapists' offices; Denturists' offices Midwives' offices;
Dietitians' offices; Naturopaths' offices; Homeopaths' offices; Registered or licensed
practical nurses' offices.
Learn about operating an Alternative Health Website.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- The independent practice of medicine (i.e., physicians) - classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians;
- The independent practice of dentistry - classified in Industry 621210, Offices of Dentists;
- The independent practice of chiropractic - classified in Industry 621310, Offices of Chiropractors;
- The independent practice of optometry - classified in Industry 621320, Offices of Optometrists;
- The independent practice of mental health (except physicians) - classified in Industry 621330, Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians);
- The independent practice of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and audiology - classified in Industry 621340, Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists; and
- The independent practice of podiatry - classified in U.S. Industry 621391, Offices of Podiatrists.
62141 Family Planning Centers
See industry description for 621410 below.
621410 Family Planning Centers
This industry comprises establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing a
range of family planning services on an outpatient basis, such as contraceptive services,
genetic and prenatal counseling, voluntary sterilization, and therapeutic and medically
indicated termination of pregnancy.
Illustrative Examples:
Birth control clinics; Fertility clinics; Childbirth preparation classes; Pregnancy counseling
centers.
62142 Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers
See industry description for 621420 below.
621420 Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers
This industry comprises establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing
outpatient services related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and
alcohol and other substance abuse. These establishments generally treat patients who do not
require inpatient treatment. They may provide a counseling staff and information regarding a
wide range of mental health and substance abuse issues and/or refer patients to more extensive
treatment programs, if necessary.
Illustrative Examples:
Outpatient alcoholism treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals); Outpatient mental
health centers and clinics (except hospitals); Outpatient detoxification centers and clinics
(except hospitals); Outpatient substance abuse treatment centers and clinics (except
hospitals); Outpatient drug addiction treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals).
Cross-References.
- Establishments known and licensed as hospitals primarily engaged in the inpatient treatment of mental health and substance abuse illnesses with an emphasis on medical treatment and monitoring are classified in Industry 622210, Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals; and
- Establishments primarily engaged in the inpatient treatment of mental health and substance abuse illness with an emphasis on residential care and counseling rather than medical treatment are classified in Industry 623220, Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities.
62149 Other Outpatient Care Centers
This industry comprises establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing
general or specialized outpatient care (except family planning centers and outpatient mental
health and substance abuse centers). Centers or clinics of health practitioners with different
degrees from more than one industry practicing within the same establishment (i.e., Doctor of
medicine and Doctor of dental medicine) are included in this industry.
Illustrative Examples:
Dialysis centers and clinics; Outpatient biofeedback centers and clinics; Freestanding
ambulatory surgical centers and clinics; Outpatient community health centers and clinics;
Freestanding emergency medical centers and clinics; Outpatient sleep disorder centers and
clinics; Health maintenance organization (HMO) medical centers and clinics.
Cross-References.
- Physician walk-in centers are classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians;
- Centers and clinics of health practitioners from the same industry primarily engaged in the independent practice of their profession are classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians; Industry 62121, Offices of Dentists; and Industry Group 6213, Practitioners;
- Family planning centers are classified in Industry 62141, Family Planning Centers;
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers are classified in Industry 62142, Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers;
- HMO establishments (except those providing health care services) primarily engaged in underwriting health and medical insurance policies are classified in Industry 52411, Direct Life, Health, and Medical Insurance Carriers; and
- Establishments known and licensed as hospitals that also perform ambulatory surgery and emergency room services are classified in Subsector 622, Hospitals.
621491 HMO Medical Centers
This U.S. industry comprises establishments with physicians and other medical staff primarily
engaged in providing a range of outpatient medical services to the health maintenance
organization (HMO) subscribers with a focus generally on primary health care. These
establishments are owned by the HMO. Included in this industry are HMO establishments that both
provide health care services and underwrite health and medical insurance policies.
Cross-References.
- Health practitioners or health practitioner groups contracting to provide their services to subscribers of prepaid health plans are classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians; Industry 621210, Offices of Dentists; and Industry Group 6213, Health Practitioners; and
- HMO establishments (except those providing health care services) primarily engaged in underwriting and administering health and medical insurance policies are classified in U.S. Industry 524114, Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers.
621492 Kidney Dialysis Centers
This U.S. industry comprises establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing
outpatient kidney or renal dialysis services.
621493 Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers
This U.S. industry comprises establishments with physicians and other medical staff primarily
engaged in (1) providing surgical services (e.g., orthoscopic and cataract surgery) on an
outpatient basis or (2) providing emergency care services (e.g., setting broken bones, treating
lacerations, or tending to patients suffering injuries as a result of accidents, trauma, or
medical conditions necessitating immediate medical care) on an outpatient basis. Outpatient
surgical establishments have specialized facilities, such as operating and recovery rooms, and
specialized equipment, such as anesthetic or X-ray equipment.
Illustrative Examples:
Freestanding ambulatory surgical centers and clinics; Freestanding trauma centers (except
hospitals); Freestanding emergency medical centers and clinics; Urgent medical care centers and
clinics (except hospitals).
Cross-References.
- Physician walk-in centers are classified in U.S. Industry 621111, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists); and
- Establishments known and licensed as hospitals that also perform ambulatory surgery and emergency room services are classified in Subsector 622, Hospitals.
621498 All Other Outpatient Care Centers
This U.S. industry comprises establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing
general or specialized outpatient care (except family planning centers, outpatient mental
health and substance abuse centers, HMO medical centers, kidney dialysis centers, and
freestanding ambulatory surgical and emergency centers). Centers or clinics of health
practitioners with different degrees from more than one industry practicing within the same
establishment (i.e., Doctor of medicine and Doctor of dental medicine) are included in this
industry.
Illustrative Examples:
Outpatient biofeedback centers and clinics; Outpatient pain therapy centers and clinics;
Outpatient community health centers and clinics; Outpatient sleep disorder centers and clinics.
Cross-References.
- Physician walk-in centers are classified in U.S. Industry 621111, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists);
- Centers and clinics of health practitioners from the same industry primarily engaged in the independent practice of their profession are classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians; Industry 621210, Offices of Dentists; and Industry Group 6213, Health Practitioners;
- Family planning centers are classified in Industry 621410, Family Planning Centers;
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers are classified in Industry 621420, Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers;
- HMO medical centers are classified in U.S. Industry 621491, HMO Medical Centers;
- Dialysis centers are classified in U.S. Industry 621492, Kidney Dialysis Centers; and
- Freestanding ambulatory surgical and emergency centers are classified in U.S. Industry 621493, Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers.
6215 Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
62151 Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
This industry comprises establishments known as medical and diagnostic laboratories primarily
engaged in providing analytic or diagnostic services, including body fluid analysis and
diagnostic imaging, generally to the medical profession or to the patient on referral from a
health practitioner.
Illustrative Examples:
Dental or medical X-ray laboratories; Medical pathology laboratories; Diagnostic imaging
centers; Medical testing laboratories; Medical forensic laboratories.
Cross-References.
- Establishments, such as dental, optical, and orthopedic laboratories, primarily engaged in providing the following activities to the medical profession, respectively: making dentures, artificial teeth, and orthodontic appliances to prescription; grinding of lenses to prescription; and making orthopedic or prosthetic appliances to prescription are classified in Industry 33911, Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing.
621511 Medical Laboratories
This U.S. industry comprises establishments known as medical laboratories primarily engaged in
providing analytic or diagnostic services, including body fluid analysis, generally to the
medical profession or to the patient on referral from a health practitioner.
Illustrative Examples:
Blood analysis laboratories; Medical pathology laboratories; Medical bacteriological
laboratories; Medical testing laboratories; Medical forensic laboratories.
Cross-References.
- Establishments known as dental laboratories primarily engaged in making dentures, artificial teeth, and orthodontic appliances to prescription are classified in U.S. Industry 339116, Dental Laboratories;
- Establishments known as optical laboratories primarily engaged in grinding of lenses to prescription are classified in U.S. Industry 339115, Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing; and
- Establishments known as orthopedic laboratories primarily engaged in making orthopedic or prosthetic appliances to prescription are classified in U.S. Industry 339113, Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing.
621512 Diagnostic Imaging Centers
This U.S. industry comprises establishments known as diagnostic imaging centers primarily
engaged in producing images of the patient generally on referral from a health practitioner.
Illustrative Examples:
Computer tomography (CT-scan) centers; Medical radiological laboratories; Dental or medical
X-ray laboratories; Ultrasound imaging centers; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) centers.
6216 Home Health Care Services
62161 Home Health Care Services
See industry description for 621610 below.
621610 Home Health Care Services
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing skilled nursing services
in the home, along with a range of the following: personal care services; homemaker and
companion services; physical therapy; medical social services; medications; medical equipment
and supplies; counseling; 24-hour home care; occupation and vocational therapy; dietary and
nutritional services; speech therapy; audiology; and high-tech care, such as intravenous
therapy.
Illustrative Examples:
Home health care agencies; Visiting nurse associations; In-home hospice care services.
Cross-References.
- In-home health services provided by establishments of health practitioners and others primarily engaged in the independent practice of their profession are classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians; Industry 621210, Offices of Dentists; and Industry Group 6213, Offices of Other Health Practitioners; and Industry 621999, Ambulatory Health Care Services; and
- Establishments primarily engaged in renting or leasing products for home health care are classified in U.S. Industry 532291, Home Health Equipment Rental.
6219 Other Ambulatory Health Care Services
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing ambulatory health
care services (except offices of physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners;
outpatient care centers; medical laboratories and diagnostic imaging centers; and home health
care providers).
62191 Ambulance Services
See industry description for 621910 below.
621910 Ambulance Services
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing transportation of
patients by ground or air, along with medical care. These services are often provided during a
medical emergency but are not restricted to emergencies. The vehicles are equipped with
lifesaving equipment operated by medically trained personnel.
Cross-References.
- Establishments primarily engaged in providing transportation of the disabled or elderly (without medical care) are classified in U.S. Industry 485991, Special Needs Transportation.
62199 All Other Ambulatory Health Care Services
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing ambulatory health care
services (except office physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners; outpatient care
centers; medical and diagnostic laboratories; home health care providers; and ambulances).
Illustrative Examples:
Blood donor stations; Pacemaker monitoring services; Blood or body organ banks; Physical
fitness evaluation services (except by offices of health practitioners); Health screening
services (except by offices of health practitioners); Smoking cessation programs; Hearing
testing services (except by offices of audiologists).
Cross-References.
- Establishments primarily engaged in the independent practice of medicine are classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians;
- Establishments primarily engaged in the independent practice of dentistry are classified in Industry 62121, Offices of Dentists;
- Establishments primarily engaged in the independent practice of health care (except offices of physicians and dentists) are classified in Industry Group 6213, Offices of Other Health Practitioners;
- Establishments primarily engaged in providing general or specialized outpatient care services are classified in Industry Group 6214, Outpatient Care Centers;
- Establishments primarily engaged in providing home health care services are classified in Industry 62161, Home Health Care Services;
- Establishments primarily engaged in transportation of patients by ground or air, along with medical care are classified in Industry 62191, Ambulance Services; and
- Establishments known as medical and diagnostic laboratories primarily engaged in providing analytic or diagnostic services are classified in Industry 62151, Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories.
621991 Blood and Organ Banks
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in collecting, storing, and
distributing blood and blood products and storing and distributing body organs.
621999 All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing ambulatory health
care services (except offices of physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners;
outpatient care centers; medical and diagnostic laboratories; home health care providers;
ambulances; and blood and organ banks).
Illustrative Examples:
Health screening services (except by offices of health practitioners); Physical fitness
evaluation services (except by offices of health practitioners); Hearing testing services
(except by offices of audiologists); Smoking cessation programs; Pacemaker monitoring services.
Cross-References.
- Establishments primarily engaged in the independent practice of medicine are classified in Industry 62111, Offices of Physicians;
- Establishments primarily engaged in the independent practice of dentistry are classified in Industry 621210, Offices of Dentists;
- Establishments primarily engaged in the independent practice of health care (except offices of physicians and dentists) are classified in Industry Group 6213, Offices of Other Health Practitioners;
- Establishments primarily engaged in providing general or specialized outpatient care services are classified in Industry Group 6214, Outpatient Care Centers;
- Establishments primarily engaged in providing home health care services are classified in Industry 621610, Home Health Care Services;
- Establishments primarily engaged in the transportation of patients by ground or air, along with medical care are classified in Industry 621910, Ambulance Services;
- Establishments known as medical and diagnostic laboratories primarily engaged in providing analytic or diagnostic services are classified in Industry 62151, Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories; and
- Blood and organ banks are classified in U.S. Industry 621991, Blood and Organ Banks.
Information courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau.
