What is a Freestanding Emergency Department?

A freestanding emergency department is a facility that provides emergency care separate from hospitals, often with shorter wait times but potentially higher costs. These facilities offer the same level of emergency services as hospital-based ERs but operate independently in convenient community locations.

Why freestanding emergency departments matter

• Increases emergency access: Brings emergency care closer to residential areas, reducing travel time in critical situations
• Reduces wait times: Typically offers faster service than traditional hospital emergency rooms due to lower patient volumes
• Provides full emergency services: Offers comprehensive emergency care, including advanced imaging and laboratory services

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you understand the cost differences between freestanding ERs and hospital-based emergency departments, verify insurance coverage, and identify which facility type is most appropriate for your emergency needs. Advocates can also assist with billing issues that may arise from emergency care.

‍