If you write or read about medical services, two terms that are quite commonly encountered include “healthcare” and “health care.” Are they the same? Which one is correct? Does it even matter? Surprisingly, it does. Although these terms seem very similar, the implications of using either are quite different. This post will help you understand these differences between “healthcare” and “health care” and when to use them.
Main Meaning: Health Care Vs Healthcare
We begin by dissecting both.
As a noun, healthcare (one word) is more frequently used. It is all of the system, industry or field that delivers medical services to the human beings. That is, for instance, both hospitals and clinics and pharmaceutical companies could all be grouped together under the overarching term “healthcare” industry. Put it briefly, if you think about the medical services industry, that is healthcare!
Health care (two words), on the other hand, is more often used to describe specific acts, services or treatments that patients get from health professionals. It is concerning with the treatment given to people for elevating their health problems. This may involves the trips to doctor, surgeries, physical therapy and other treatments. The term health care essentially refers to what goes on between patients and their doctors.
Why the Confusion?
Anyone can easily confuse these terms in a casual conversation because they are closely related. Even though, technically speaking, “health care” should refer to the services provided by a medical doctor; you’re likely to hear many people just say “healthcare.” Although, this widespread use has over time confused the statement between the terms used and a more detailed understanding of both can bring you clarity.
Examples of Healthcare (One Word)
Healthcare, of course, when we use healthcare as a noun, we’re referring the larger industry/ system. The above example demonstrates correct use; here are some similar examples and instruction on how to write them properly.
- Healthcare is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced fields so far.
- Policies are being put in place to expand healthcare access.
In this context, healthcare means the system, organization or business giving health services to individuals. It includes everything from hospital chains and insurers to pharmaceutical companies.
Examples of Health Care (Two Words)
Now see the examples of health care used as a phrase for particular treatments or services;//
- She is currently under health care for her chronicity of the condition.
- Increasing Surge of Health Care for individuals
- Preventative health care can prevent loss of life and decrease costs of medical bills.
More Example Sentences Health care in these examples means the medical services that one is receiving. Its not according to the broader industry, but how specific care – from doctors, nurses or therapists.
Regional Differences: Is It Just an American Thing?
Another wrinkle here is that healthcare (one word) is used more frequently in British english than health care (two words), whereas health care prevails practically everywhere. But there is no one standard even within the U.S. Some organizations prefer to use “health care” in their formal writing, while others adopt “healthcare” in all contexts.
Though the American Medical Association generally uses health care in its formal written policy, most U.S. news outlets and blogs write healthcare.
The Role of Grammar in Healthcare vs. Health Care
The debate over whether to use “healthcare” or “health care” largely comes down to grammar. Healthcare as a noun refers to a system, or the industry. Which is a good reminder to yourself that healthcare (as one word) tends to be more conceptual or organizational. On the other hand, health care is a physical thing that you have done to someone else
For example:
- The healthcare system is slowly getting better, but patients continue to experience difficulties in obtaining basic health treatment.
In this context, the term healthcare refers to the entire system while health care meant specific services.
The Evolution of Healthcare (One Word)
Those who write the word as one—healthcare, rather than health care—are quickly becoming the majority in journalism. Health care, two words historically — health care focused on the traditional process of providing care (direct actions); However, these days as the industry grew with medical technologies, insurance companies, and globalized services; it is more correct to refer to an entire system through one word— healthcare.
Just as our industries expand and become more sophisticated so too does the vocabulary necessary to describe them. Shifting from “health care” to “healthcare” represent a systematic behaviour instead of being random as in the sense of individual acts of care.
The Debate Continues
Even with the rationale, there are no one-size-fits-all answers. However, people and organizations use both terms interchangeably or prefer to stick with just one term throughout. However understanding that difference can help you write as precisely as possible and avoid ambiguity.
Practical Considerations: Which Should You Use?
Which do you use in your writing: “healthcare” or “health care”? Here are some practical tips:
- Context: For the industry as a whole (hospitals, insurers and healthcare companies) Healthcare. THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY is in the midst of a transformation.
- Care for a single individual: In the event that you are referring to health-related services (such as going to the doctor, or having an operation) then health care would be the correct word.Handled by medical personnel who require additional training beyond general first aid.
- Stick to in house style: if you are part of a company, publication or institution they will always have a preferred writing style. Should I use ‘healthcare’ or ‘health care’? Many organizations have guidelines on which spelling to use.
Conclusion: Understanding the Difference
As a conclusion, the difference between health care and healthcare may seem minor but this common mistake holds many meanings while writing and in communication. Health care represents the many services provided to individuals whereas healthcare refers to it all as a whole part of an industry or system. Always ensure your writing to be crystal clear as well as professional.
If you ever are unsure about which term is appropriate remember to always consider the context. Do you mean the entire healthcare industry? If yes, healthcare is the answer. If, however, you mean the kind of work caring for someone’s health involves, then health (space) care (two words) is what you should be choosing.
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