621 - Ambulatory Health Care Services
In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, understanding industry classification codes is essential for businesses, government contractors, and health providers alike. NAICS code 621—Ambulatory Health Care Services—is a crucial classification under the Health Care and Social Assistance sector that captures a broad array of outpatient medical services. Whether you’re a small clinic or a large outpatient care center, knowing what NAICS 621 entails helps with compliance, bidding on government contracts, and strategic planning.
What is NAICS Code 621?
NAICS code 621 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing health care services directly to patients on an outpatient basis, meaning patients receive care without being admitted to a hospital or residential facility. The focus here is on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries through various ambulatory care settings.
Key Features of NAICS 621 - Ambulatory Health Care Services:
- Outpatient services without hospital admission
- Diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care
- Facilities range from small offices to larger outpatient centers
Sector: Health Care and Social Assistance
NAICS 621 falls within the larger Health Care and Social Assistance sector (NAICS 62), which encompasses a wide spectrum of services related to health improvement and social welfare. This sector is vital to public health infrastructure and supports millions of jobs nationwide.
Typical Business Types under NAICS 621 include:
- Physician offices: Individual or group practices providing general or specialized medical care
- Dental clinics: Practices focusing on oral health and related treatments
- Outpatient care centers: Facilities offering surgeries, diagnostic services, and therapies without inpatient stays
These businesses focus on delivering efficient, patient-centered care where hospitalization is unnecessary.
Size Standards for NAICS 621 Eligibility
For small business classification and eligibility in government contracting, size standards are important. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
- The size standard for NAICS 621 generally varies by industry subclass (e.g., physician offices vs. outpatient care centers).
- For many ambulatory health care providers, the threshold is typically based on average annual receipts, often set around $16.5 million or less.
- It’s essential to check the SBA Size Standards Tool for precise classifications because they can differ depending on service specifics.
Examples of Businesses under NAICS 621
Here are some real-world examples of businesses classified under NAICS code 621:
- A neighborhood family medicine physician’s office
- An orthodontics or general dentistry practice
- An outpatient ophthalmology surgical center
- Physical therapy clinics providing rehabilitative services
- Specialized outpatient clinics such as dermatology or urgent care centers
These businesses operate without requiring overnight stays and cater to a broad patient base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NAICS Code 621
Q1: Can hospitals be classified under NAICS 621?
A1: No. Hospitals with inpatient services fall under NAICS codes 622 and related sectors. NAICS 621 specifically covers outpatient, ambulatory care facilities without patient admission.
Q2: Does NAICS 621 include urgent care centers?
A2: Yes. Urgent care centers providing immediate outpatient care are included in this classification.
Q3: How does NAICS 621 differ from other health care codes?
A3: NAICS 621 is unique because it focuses solely on health services delivered outpatient with no overnight patient stays, unlike hospitals or residential treatment centers.
Q4: Are mental health outpatient clinics part of NAICS 621?
A4: Some mental health services might be classified under NAICS 621 if they provide outpatient ambulatory care, but certain behavioral health facilities may fall under different NAICS codes depending on service type.
Conclusion
NAICS code 621 – Ambulatory Health Care Services – plays a pivotal role in categorizing outpatient health care providers offering diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care without hospital admission. Understanding this code is essential for healthcare businesses, government contractors, and policymakers alike as it defines operational scope, size standards, and eligibility for programs.
By recognizing the typical business types such as physician offices, dental clinics, and outpatient care centers, companies can better position themselves within the health care ecosystem, optimize contract opportunities, and comply with regulatory requirements.
Keywords: NAICS code 621, Ambulatory Health Care Services, outpatient care, physician offices, dental clinics, outpatient care centers, health care and social assistance, small business size standards, government contracting, healthcare NAICS codes
