Recent criticism regarding free standing emergency departments has got me very frustrated. The argument is that these facilities are glorified urgent cares without backup support that charge ER rates. It warns people to be aware of being seen at freestanding emergency departments and to be prepared for an ER sized bill.
NEWSFLASH!!!!!
They ARE emergency department and that’s why they charge ER rates. They will see anyone but they are in the community for the EMERGENCY. If it’s not an emergency, go to an urgent care. It’s as simple as that.
Typically these emergency departments, at least the two I work at, are staffed 24/7 with board certified emergency physicians with state of the art equipment, and are no more than a phone call away from a specialist. No different than being attached to a hospital. And like a community hospital, they are usually no further away than a simple ambulance transfer to the nearest trauma center.
It says it on the building, EMERGENCY, if you don’t have one, go to the urgent care, or, wait for it…..go see your family doctor….
if you have one.
