Which category is NOT identified as a patient type in an emergency department?

In an emergency department, patients are typically categorized based on the severity and immediacy of their medical needs. The categories that are generally recognized include emergent, urgent, and nonurgent.

Emergent cases are those that require immediate medical attention due to life-threatening conditions. Urgent cases, while not immediately life-threatening, still require prompt care to prevent deterioration. Nonurgent cases are those where there is no immediate risk to life or health, allowing the patient to wait longer for treatment.

Elective cases do not fit within the urgent care framework of an emergency department because they are scheduled in advance based on the patient's convenience and are not emergencies. Elective procedures usually refer to surgeries or treatments that are planned and can be postponed without risk to the patient's health, making this category distinct from those typically seen in emergency care settings.