Free-Standing Emergency Departments

Exploring Opportunities in Free-Standing Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care Centers

One of the latest trends in healthcare facility development is the off-site emergency department. Some states regulate these facilities to include operating rooms, while others allow them to function as outpatient departments that triage patients. Health systems often face the decision of whether to establish a free-standing emergency department or an urgent care center.

To make an informed decision, several factors must be considered:

  • State Regulations: What are the state requirements for free-standing emergency departments?
  • Reimbursement Differences: How do reimbursement models vary between emergency care delivery types?
  • Provider-Based Status: Can the facility be considered provider-based under current regulations?
  • Community Needs: What are the patient and community needs in the target area?
  • Physician Integration: What strategies will be used to incorporate physicians into the model?

Advis is a national leader in the development of free-standing emergency departments for a wide range of clients. Our services include regulatory, financial and community-need analysis.

Our services include:

  • Regulatory/Financial Analysis
  • Requirements under licensure and Medicare regulations
  • Reimbursement differences between Type A and Type B facilities
  • Provider-based requirements for urgent care and emergency facilities
  • Licensure and certification for pharmacy, controlled substances, DEA, and radiological imaging
  • Analysis of national and local trends in urgent care and free-standing emergency facility utilization and reimbursement

Certificate of Need (CON) Consultation:

  • Needs assessment
  • Preparation of CON application and supporting materials
  • Expert testimony and strategy development

Needs Analysis/Pro Forma Projections:

  • Identifying community needs and garnering support

Urgent Care/Emergency Facility Development:

  • Detailed master development plan within the first 30 days
  • Compliance with federal and state regulations
  • Organizational structure
  • Finance/reimbursement planning
  • Facility space utilization
  • Operating budget and staffing requirements
  • Strategic planning sessions with key stakeholders
  • Liaison with CMS, state regulators, and fiscal intermediaries
  • Preparation for licensure and Medicare certification

Comprehensive Licensure and Certification Preparation:

  • State Licensing Packet
  • Medicare Certification Packet
  • Filing CMS Disclosure Form CMS-855A and additional CMS forms (1513, 1514, 1561, 2572)
  • Assistance with Section 504 Civil Rights Policies
  • Completion of Civil Rights Packet, State Pharmacy Application, State Narcotics Registration, DEA registration, and CLIA Application
  • Preparation for compliance with CMS standards
  • Staff advisement and organization of materials for surveyors
  • Liaison with state and federal regulators to ensure complete licensure and certification

Vendor Agreements and Ongoing Support:

  • Preparation of vendor agreements for services
  • Phone consultations throughout the agreement term

Advis is here to guide you through every step of developing and managing your free-standing emergency department or urgent care center. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed.