Freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) are emergency facilities not affiliated with any hospital, but are licensed by the state to provide 24/7 medical care to the local population. AMD Global holds strong investment positions in freestanding ERs, one of which is its Laredo Emergency Room. The American College of Freestanding Emergency Physicians (ACEP) requires that FSEDs provide the same quality and scope of care as hospital-based ERs. Like hospital-based emergency rooms, FSEDs offer high-quality, comprehensive, advanced medical care supported by licensed and experienced staff, including cardiac life support RNs.
While FSEDs are emergency rooms based outside of a hospital setting, they are a cut above urgent care centers, which are purposed for non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention. By contrast, FSEDs have 24/7 emergency physicians to provide imaging services, cardiopulmonary monitoring, airway management, intravenous fluids, and an expanded array of medications.
FSEDs have experienced rapid growth since 2010, with over 400 facilities now operating in over 35 states. This growing popularity can be attributed to FSEDs placed in convenient suburban locations with shorter wait times, fewer patients, and doctors who are able to take more time to establish personal connections with their patients.