Prompt Care
Community Health Care Prompt Care
The Prompt Care Clinic at our Hilltop location is open Monday – Friday for walk-in appointments and is open to everyone, not just Community Health Care patients.
Located at the Hilltop Regional Health Center
1202 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
Main Phone Line: (253) 442-8690
Fax: (253) 442-8623
Information Line (Available 24 hours):
(253) 442-8809
Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Major Holidays: Closed
Should you need to utilize Prompt Care but want to visit a clinic closer than our Hilltop location, you can go to any of our clinics.
Patients are seen in order and might have to be slipped in between patients who have regular appointments. Do not be surprised if there is a bit of a wait. It’s best to call your preferred clinic ahead of time but if you are unable to do so, you can drop in and expect to be seen that day.
What is Prompt Care and When Should You Use It?
Should the cut on your finger or the pain in your chest send you to the emergency room or a prompt care center? It’s difficult to be sure. So, we’re making matters easy by providing this clear-cut description of where to go for the care you need.
Life-threatening emergencies, such as a heart attack or serious head injury, require a visit to the emergency department, also called the emergency room (ER). An illness or injury that does not appear to be life threatening but can’t wait until the next day should be treated at a prompt care center.
Prompt care centers provide easy access to quality healthcare for the times when your primary care physician’s offices are closed. At Community Health Care, our medical expertise and commitment to personalized attention ensure that patients with urgent health needs receive the very best care.
What is Considered an Emergency?
In general, an emergency condition is one that can permanently impair or endanger your life. Dial 911 immediately for any medical problem that appears life-threatening. Some examples of conditions that need emergency medical care include:
- Compound fracture, which involves a bone protruding through the skin
- Convulsions, seizures, or loss of consciousness
- Deep knife wounds or gunshot wounds
- Fever in a newborn less than 3 months old
- Heavy, uncontrollable bleeding
- Moderate to severe burns
- Poisoning
- Pregnancy-related problems
- Serious head, neck, or back injury
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain that lasts longer than two minutes
- Stroke symptoms, such as vision loss, sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech, or confusion
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
What is Considered a Prompt Medical Condition?
Prompt medical conditions are ones that are not considered emergencies but still require care within 24 hours. Some examples include:
- Accidents and falls
- Cuts that don’t involve much blood but might need stitches
- Breathing difficulties, such as mild to moderate asthma
- Diagnostic services, such as laboratory tests
- Eye irritation and redness
- Fever or flu
- Minor broken bones and fractures in fingers or toes
- Moderate back problems
- Severe sore throat or cough
- Skin rashes and infections
- Sprains and strains
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
Dial 911 immediately for any Medical Problem that Appears to be Life-Threatening
Proper care will be provided at the closest emergency room (ER). Remember, ER visits are necessary for true emergencies, such as chest pain and severe injuries. Minor injuries and illnesses will be examined by our prompt care physicians. If greater care is needed, our staff will direct patients to the proper healthcare provider, or, if it is a true emergency, we will transfer patients directly to a hospital emergency room for further treatment.