คนไข้นอก

Explanation

คนไข้นอก is made from คนไข้ “patient” and นอก “outside.” Here, “outside” means not admitted to the hospital ward, not simply being outside the building. It is also common in hospital terms such as แผนกคนไข้นอก, “outpatient department.” When counting people, คน is common, and ราย is often used in records or administrative contexts.

Usage

This word is used in hospitals, clinics, reception desks, departments, appointments, insurance, and medical billing. It often appears on signs and documents, especially in แผนกคนไข้นอก, “outpatient department.”

Caution

For simply saying that someone is going to see a doctor, ไปหาหมอ is often more natural in everyday speech. คนไข้นอก is a medical-context word for the patient category “outpatient.”

1 outpatient synonyms

• คนไข้ใน

  khon khây nay inpatient

  คนไข้ใน means an inpatient. คนไข้นอก contrasts with it by referring to a patient who receives care without being admitted.

• ผู้ป่วยนอก

  phûu pùay nɔ̂ɔk outpatient

  ผู้ป่วยนอก also means “outpatient” and sounds a little more formal or administrative. คนไข้นอก is common in practical hospital contexts and everyday explanations.