How to distinguish between the place were sick people lying (hospital) and work 24 hours a day, to the place where people go for check-ups or as primary medicine (G.P. / family doctor)? In many countries they are specific buildings (not even close to hospitals) and in Eastern Europe it's called policlinic.
Regarding to the word clinic, as I understand it can be also used for hospitals, but I'm looking for a word that's specific not for hospitals (=where sick people lying). I'm a bit confused.
According to Oxford:
Clinic - An establishment or hospital department where outpatients are given medical treatment or advice, especially of a specialist nature.
It's a bit different from what I can understand by the term "clinical picture" which speaks about patients in hospitals many times. Also, in many countries thes
So a native English speaker who goes to a general check-up, or to have a consultation in outpatient may say: "I'm going to the clinic" while it's understood it isn't for hospital? Or what is the common term that I'm looking for?