Freestanding ER, urgent care
or hospital ER?
Texas has more freestanding emergency rooms than almost anywhere. They look like urgent care, but they are emergency rooms, with emergency room bills. I have worked in emergency medicine in Texas for years. This is what I tell my own family.
It is a real ER
Freestanding ERs are licensed emergency facilities. Texas rules require a physician on site whenever one is open, and many stay open around the clock.
It bills like an ER
Expect emergency-level facility and physician charges, even for a minor problem an urgent care could treat for far less.
Ask about your network
Texas requires freestanding ERs to tell you whether they are in your plan's network. Ask at the door if it is not an emergency.
Never shop for price in an emergency
Chest pain, stroke signs, trouble breathing, severe bleeding: call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Federal law protects you from most surprise bills for emergency care.
See wait times near you
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Common questions
Is a freestanding ER a real emergency room?
Yes. Texas licenses freestanding ERs as emergency facilities, and Texas rules require a physician on site whenever one is open. They are not hospitals, so a patient who needs admission is transferred.
Why is a freestanding ER bill so much higher than urgent care?
A freestanding ER bills emergency-level facility and physician fees, even for minor problems. Urgent care bills at clinic rates.
Is a freestanding ER in my insurance network?
Texas requires freestanding ERs to tell you whether they are in your plan's network. If you are stable, ask before you are treated.
Am I protected from a surprise bill?
For emergency services, the federal No Surprises Act protects most patients from surprise out-of-network bills, including at independent freestanding emergency departments. If a bill looks wrong, call the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059.
When should I call 911 instead of driving to a freestanding ER?
Chest pain, stroke signs, trouble breathing, severe bleeding or major trauma. Paramedics can start treatment on the way and take you to the right hospital.