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OPINION

DON’T GO TO A FREESTANDING
ER IF YOU HAVE THE FLU;

IT COULD COST YOU $2,000

By Bernard Swift, Jr, DO, MPH/CEO, Founder of Texas Med Clinic

Editor's Note: Responses or rebuttals to opinion pieces are welcome. Send to Mike.Thomas@BCMS.org.

The Rice University study “Freestanding Emergency Departments other words, those are simple problems for which care can be han-
in Texas deliver costly care, sticker shock” released in March confirms dled for less cost at an UCC.
what leaders in the emergency and urgent care industries have
known for several years: Freestanding emergency rooms (FSER) FSERs lack of transparency leads to consumer confusion when
charge 10 - 15 times more than urgent care clinics (UCCs) for treat- choosing the most appropriate venue for urgent health care services
ment of similar problems. at a reasonable cost. This is very disconcerting for consumers and
payers alike, and needs to be addressed by legislators, insurance com-
The study noted that in 2015, the total price of a FSER panies, employers and consumers.
visit averaged $2,199 versus $168 for an UCC.
As a physician and Chief Executive Officer for UCCs located
The study also noted that 15 of the 20 most common diagnoses throughout South Central Texas, I believe there should be trans-
such as flu, strep throat and upper respiratory infections that are parency and accountability for all medical providers. We all provide
treated at FSERs were also in the top 20 treated in an UCC. In a resource to the communities we serve. However, consumers need
to be aware of the differences between urgent and emergency care
and the costs associated with each.

32 San Antonio Medicine • June 2017