What is the difference between prompt care and emergency care?

The Prompt Care clinics and the emergency department are both staffed by physicians who are trained to respond to acute illnesses and injuries.

Prompt Care is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week while the emergency department is open 24 hours a day.

At Prompt Care, the staff is able to take X-rays, urine tests, and blood tests but are not able to get immediate results on blood work. In the emergency room, advanced diagnostic tests such as CT are available as are immediate results from lab tests.

Prompt Care can administer breathing treatments, oral medications and some injections but are not able to administer intravenous fluids or medication.

Prompt Care is well equipped for patients with sore throats, flu symptoms, urinary tract infections, lacerations, sprains and other non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Prompt Care will send patients to the emergency room if the physician feels it is necessary, like in the case of chest pain.