Medical Consultation vs. Medical Consulting – The Real Difference That Matters

What medical consultation means

A medical consultation is the clinical act in which a patient visits a physician for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. It includes:

• discussing symptoms and medical history (anamnesis),
• conducting a physical examination,
• recommending additional tests,
• establishing a diagnosis,
• prescribing treatment.

A medical consultation always involves direct interaction between physician and patient and is regulated by healthcare legislation. It is a clinical act in every sense.

What medical consulting or consultancy means

Medical consulting or medical consultancy has a broader meaning and refers to expertise, advice, and professional support in the field of health. It does not necessarily involve direct examination of a patient, but may include:

• occupational health advice and risk assessment,
• development of health policies,
• professional training and education,
• medico-legal expertise or expert opinions,
• general or strategic advice for medical institutions.

In other words, medical consulting means advisory and expertise services, not a clinical act.

Why the distinction matters

Confusing the two terms is not just a linguistic mistake; it can have serious consequences:

• For patients: they may be misled, expecting a clinical act while only receiving general advice.
• For clinics: misuse of terms can harm their professional image and credibility.
• From a legal perspective: medical consultation is strictly regulated, and presenting consulting services as consultations may lead to legal issues.

Unfortunately, more and more clinics, hospitals, and medical offices promote their services using the term medical consulting or medical consultancy when they actually provide medical consultations. This practice is more than a linguistic slip; it is a professional misstep. To speak incorrectly about one's own medical activity diminishes the value of clinical practice and misleads patients. Such behavior reflects a lack of respect for language, for the profession, and above all, for those seeking genuine medical care.

Conclusion

It is crucial for both clinics and healthcare companies to use terminology correctly. Medical consultation belongs to clinical practice and involves direct doctor-patient interaction. Medical consulting (consultancy) refers to expertise, advice, and professional support, without replacing the clinical act.

At Dr. Radut, we make a clear distinction between these terms and provide exclusively medical consulting-specialized expertise and advisory services for companies and institutions. We believe that precise language means professionalism and respect, both for patients and for our partners.