The purpose of the alternatives to hospitalisation mentioned in article L. 6121-2 is to avoid full-time hospitalisation or to reduce its duration. The services provided in this way are distinct from those provided during consultations or home visits.
These alternatives include care activities provided by :
1° Part-time day or night hospitalisation facilities, including psychiatric facilities ;
2° Outpatient anaesthesia and surgery facilities.
Diagnostic investigations, therapeutic procedures, sequential medical treatments and functional rehabilitation treatments, or medical supervision are carried out in part-time day or night hospitalisation facilities.
Medical or surgical procedures requiring anaesthesia or recourse to an operating theatre are carried out in outpatient anaesthesia or surgery facilities under conditions that allow the patient to return home the same day.