What comprises contracted services in a health care institution?

Contracted services in a healthcare institution refer to specific medical services or functions that are provided under a documented agreement with external organizations or individuals. This arrangement allows healthcare institutions to utilize specialized skills, resources, or expertise that may not be available within the organization.

For instance, a hospital might contract an external radiology group to provide imaging services, or engage a third-party provider for laboratory services. The key feature of contracted services is that there is a formal and legally binding agreement that outlines the terms, scope of services, responsibilities, and compensation related to these services, ensuring accountability and quality control.

This approach is critical for healthcare institutions as it enables them to enhance their service offerings while maintaining flexibility in managing operational costs. In contrast, the other options reflect services that are either provided internally by hospital employees, rely on volunteer assistance without formal agreements, or are non-urgent community services, none of which align with the definition of contracted services requiring formal documentation.