Freestanding vs Hospital ER in Waxahachie, TX
Freestanding ERs in Waxahachie
Freestanding emergency rooms are not hospitals but provide nearly all of the same services as a hospital-based emergency room. A freestanding emergency center or department (sometimes called an FSED) is care facility which is separated from your traditional hospital and delivers medical treatment for emergencies. In the state of Texas, freestanding ERs must have an accredited license and follow the regulations set forth by the state. The standards used by hospitals similarly apply to freestanding ERs like us, which means we have the same high standards of care.
Hospital ER vs. Freestanding ER
Wait Times
One of the most common complaints about emergency rooms is the wait times. America’s ERs are overwhelmed. The standard practice of triage—taking patients based on how severe their condition is—can leave some patients with severe emergencies waiting, sometimes for hours.
In a recent survey by ProPublica in 2018, the average wait time for patients in a Texas ER was 19 minutes.
At Altus Emergency Centers, there are zero wait times. When patients enter our facility, a physician sees them right away. Not only does this mean that the emergency is addressed quicker, but patients have more facetime with our doctors. Similarly, our wait times for diagnostics such as laboratory tests, x-rays, CAT scans, EKGs, and ultrasounds are usually zero. This means that patients not only see their physician immediately but also get their diagnostic work done quickly as well.
Distinct Pediatric ER
Not many hospitals have pediatric examination areas specifically for younger patients. At Altus ER, we can attend to young patients without exposing them to the potential harm of a traumatic ER hospital visit. This not only reduces stress for our younger patients but also allows our pediatric team to focus on their needs while making the experience as comfortable as possible.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Technology
Of course, hospital ERs generally have excellent technology, but often they are underfunded and overused. This leads to outdated and worn-out equipment.
At Altus Emergency Centers, we make sure to provide the most up-to-date medical equipment available, using the most sophisticated technology for treatment, imaging, and diagnostics.