Freestanding Emergency Department FAQ
What is a freestanding emergency center?
The emergency center (EC) is an emergency room (ER) just like any ER in a hospital except it is not attached to a hospital. The staff at an EC is available to treat patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week for urgent and emergency medical conditions. An EC has board-certified emergency room physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses along with the same diagnostic equipment found in most emergency rooms. The EC is a 12-bed center. * If a patient needs to be admitted to the hospital, an ambulance will transport the patient to Cedar Park Regional Medical Center for admission, generally at no cost to the patient.
Is the emergency center like an urgent care?
No. Unlike most urgent cares, an EC is open 24/7 and can treat patients with life-threatening conditions. The EC will care for patients with heart attacks, strokes, head injuries, fractures, abdominal pain, respiratory issues and more. These treatments are typically not provided at urgent care facilities.
What if I need to be admitted to the hospital or require services not available at the EC?
If you need to be admitted to the hospital, need surgery or cardiac cath lab intervention, we will stabilize you and transfer you via ambulance to Cedar Park Regional Medical Center.
What insurances do you accept?
We treat all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), the EC will provide a medical screening exam and appropriate stabilizing care.
The EC accepts the same insurances as Cedar Park Regional Medical Center (including Tricare) as an EC is considered a department of the hospital even though it is a freestanding facility.
Do you have lab and imaging services available at the freestanding emergency center?
Yes. We have CT scan, digital x-ray and ultrasound capabilities along with lab services.
*Patient may be transported to their hospital of choice or to the closest hospital depending on the patient's condition. Transfer costs to facilities may be the responsibility of the patient.