A patient's any person who receives medical attention, care, or treatment. The person's most often ill or injured and in need of treatment by a physician or other medical professional, although one who's visiting a physician for a routine check-up may also be viewed as a patient. Outpatients and inpatients An outpatient's a patient who isn't hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment. Treatment provided in this fashion's called am… (More on Patient)