Freestanding EDs Offer Alternative Patient Destinations

Freestanding EDs (FSEDs) have entered the emergency healthcare arena in many states. With the development of these community-based EDs have come questions regarding their appropriate use by EMS providers in regards to routine use, community surge capacity and disaster preparedness. While initially shunned by hospitals and EMS services due to concerns regarding decreased revenue for hospitals and potential lack of reimbursement for transport, we’re starting to see increasing numbers of providers recognizing FSEDs as approved transport locations. STRIP MALL ED? After returning to the Houston area after working in Pennsylvania, I noticed an “emergency room” neon sign in a local shopping center. Of course, as a “real” ED doctor at the regional trauma center, I had a few choice words and thoughts about the concept. I was quite vocal about this one day with a colleague and said things about “doc in the box” and “fake EDs,” and then he kindly let me know he was also working at that shopping center ED by my house. Oops! He also told me about its CT scanner, X-rays, labs and board-certified emergency medicine physicians, and suggested I drop by to check it out. I was seduced! The doctors and nurses working there were the same ones working in the big EDs. The equipment was nice, facilities were clean and people were happy. I was so impressed that I started working at one as a side job because it was close to my house. Three years later, I still work in FSEDs. QUESTION...
Source: JEMS Administration and Leadership - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Leadership & Professionalism Administration and Leadership Columns Source Type: news