As freestanding EDs, also known as emergency care centers, continue to pop-up on what seems like every street corner in Texas, it is becoming harder and harder for consumers to tell the difference between them and urgent care centers.
The confusion usually stems from these facilities looking quite alike and usually being located in the same types of areas -- in strip malls and in residential areas. Many wonder, "What separates these seemingly identical types of facilities?"
How can a consumer tell if they are walking into an urgent care or a freestanding ED? It's simple.
If they see the word "emergency" anywhere on the building, it's a freestanding ED. Urgent cares are forbidden by law from using the word "emergency" in any of their signage.
Knowing this one simple fact can save consumers hundreds of dollars when they have less serious health issues, including pneumonia or bronchitis, or a routine broken bone not sticking out of the skin. These situations can be handled by an urgent care very easily and quickly.
However, consumers experiencing crushing chest pain, neurological problems, are having a stroke or have suffered severe trauma like a stab wound, gunshot or punctured eyes, would need to go to a hospital emergency department or freestanding ED.