Increasing consumerism in health care, heightening demand for emergency services, and shrinking supply of emergency rooms are contributing to the proliferation of freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs).

But before investing in an FSED, health systems need to survey four key stakeholders who can impact FSED success: legislators, payers, EMS, and patients. Download our white paper to get the decision tools you need when considering an FSED investment.

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Legislators

FSEDs are newer investments, so many state legislators have not had to outline FSEDregulations. Health systems must be sure that legislators will allow—rather than block—an FSEDinvestment and that those allowances are not cost-prohibitive.

Supporting tool: Questions for legislators

Payers

FSED visits are lower acuity than hospital ED visits—more akin to urgent care center (UCC) visits. Payers havetaken notice, and some have started to steer patients away from FSEDs. Planners must work closelywith payers to demonstrate FSED value, especially in markets where dominant payers havesignificant leverage.

Supporting tool: Questions for payers

EMS

While EMS cases are usually the minority share of volumes, they can raise average visit acuityand boost revenue. But EMS may be reticent to transport patients to FSEDs if there are strong, hospital-basedED alternatives. Planners should consider whether their FSED would be reliant on EMSvolumes and assess their existing EMS relationships.

Supporting tool: Questions for EMS

Patients

Since the average FSED relieson walk-ins for about 95% of itsvolumes, maintaining patientbuy-in is key. But many patients do not understand thedifferences between UCCs and FSEDs, and do not anticipate the high cost of FSED care. Plannersshould consider whether their patient population has a need for emergency services, is growing, or isfinancially attractive given the costs associated with the investment.

Supporting tool: Questions for patients

Once you've assessed readiness in all your key stakeholders, use our FSED Investment Decision Tree to guide the final steps of your decision-making process.

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