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Table 3 Medical immediacy

From: Framework for classifying compliance and medical immediacy among low-acuity presentations at an urban trauma center

Immediacy attribute

Immediacy decision rules

Non-emergent/no medical intervention required

Patient has a non-emergent medical condition and this condition does not truly require the attention of a medical professional

Non-emergent/PCP visit prudent

Patient has a non-emergent medical condition that does not necessitate a visit to the emergency department. However, a visit to a primary care provider within several weeks may be prudent

Non-emergent/48-h window

Patient has a non-emergent medical condition that does not necessitate a visit to the emergency department. However, the patient ought to have medical attention within 48 h to prevent increased severity

Non-emergent/12-h

Patient has a non-emergent medical condition that does not necessitate a visit to the emergency department. However, the patient ought to have medical attention within 12 h to prevent increased severity

Emergent

Patient has an emergent medical condition requiring immediate stabilization