New research, published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine, found freestanding emergency departments (FSED) may charge more than urgent care centers (UCC) to fewer patients who have similar conditions, writes D CEO Healthcare. The study looked at three UCCs that were converted to FSEDs in Texas using insurance claims from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, based in Richardson. The study concluded that after three UCCs converted to FSEDs, patient volume decreased and reimbursement per visit increased, despite no change in patient characteristics and little change in conditions managed. These case studies suggest that some FSEDs are similar to UCCs in patient mix and conditions treated.
Read more:
- The Impact of Conversion From an Urgent Care Center to a Freestanding Emergency Department on Patient Population, Conditions Managed, and Reimbursement. Journal of Emergency Medicine.
- D CEO Healtcare: https://healthcare.dmagazine.com/2019/01/31/blue-cross-insurance-data-reveals-texas-freestanding-emergency-department-charges/
