What is 專科門診 in English? Specialist Out-patient Clinic (SOPC)
The English for 「專科門診」 is specialist out-patient clinic, abbreviated SOPC; the Hospital Authority's schedule of charges writes it as Specialist Clinic (專科診所).
How is 專科門診 written in English?
In the Chinese and English texts of the Government's reply to the Legislative Council of 22 November 2023, 「專科門診」 is written in English as specialist out-patient clinics, abbreviated SOPCs.
The Hospital Authority's schedule of charges effective from 1 January 2026 reads 「專科診所（包括綜合診所及專職醫療診所）」 in Chinese and Specialist Clinic (include Integrated Clinic and Allied Health Clinic) in English.
Which patients do public specialist outpatient clinics see?
Public specialist outpatient clinics provide specialist care for patients referred by general outpatient clinics, private doctors or family doctors; new cases are first screened by a nurse, then reviewed by a specialist in the specialty concerned, and triaged by urgency (Government reply to the Legislative Council, November 2023).
To book a new appointment at a Hospital Authority specialist outpatient clinic, you need a referral letter issued by a locally registered doctor within the last three months; for the steps, see How to book a new appointment at a public specialist outpatient clinic, and for the difference between public and private, see Public or private specialist?.
Related terms: 專科醫生 in English, 普通科門診 in English.
Frequently asked questions
What is 專科門診 in English?
Specialist out-patient clinic, abbreviated SOPC; the Hospital Authority's schedule of charges writes it as Specialist Clinic.
What does SOPC mean?
In Government English documents, SOPC is the abbreviation of specialist out-patient clinic, that is, a public specialist outpatient clinic.
What do I need to book a public specialist outpatient clinic?
You need a referral letter issued by a locally registered doctor within the last three months; for details, see Do I need a referral letter to see a specialist?