There are many myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings pertaining to freestanding emergency centers (FECs) in Texas, most of which have been blamed on the FECs themselves. As with any new industry, there is an obligation to educate the public and change their perception, which is exactly what TAFEC has worked hard to do through advocacy efforts, media relations, social media, community outreach and engagement, and facility tours. However, consumer confusion does not rest solely on FECs – other parties in the health care system are also responsible and must be held accountable. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Since the industry’s inception in 2009, FECs have been compared to urgent care facilities. Both FECs and urgent cares offer medical care in a similar setting – often in small buildings in community business parks and areas of commerce. While urgent care facilities and FECs are similar in appearance, they offer very different services.

Urgent cares specialize in minor injuries and illnesses (low acuity). Often times these facilities are not open 24/7, and patients may not be seen by an emergency-trained physician.

In contrast, FECs offer the same services as a traditional hospital. FECs charge a facility fee, just like a traditional hospital, which is why most visits to an FEC are more expensive than visits to an urgent care facility. This facility fee helps to cover the costs of operating around the clock, with emergency-trained physicians on site at all times. They are also equipped to handle medical emergencies, with state-of-the-art medical equipment in every FEC facility. See our healthcare provider comparison graphic.

As a result of the visual similarities, confused consumers requiring emergency care would arrive at urgent care facilities and need to be transferred to an ER, thus costing critical time before the patient receives appropriate medical care.

When the FEC industry was created, the Texas Legislature, in an effort to protect consumers, made it illegal for any urgent care facility to promote their services or advertise using the term “emergency.” While this provision seems great in theory, urgent care facilities have not been held accountable to meeting this standard and continue to confuse consumers about the level of care they provide.

This illegal tagline is being used by a popular urgent care company in Central Texas.

For instance, one urgent care provider with 13 facilities in Central Texas advertises that they provide “emergency care at urgent care prices.” As you can imagine, a patient experiencing a true medical emergency could easily mistake this facility as one that would be capable of handling major medical injuries or illnesses. The patient may travel to one of these facilities when, in fact, their medical needs call for treatment at an ER. This could take up precious time that might be needed to save a patient’s life.

TAFEC would like to see urgent care facilities end these illegal advertising practices because they are dangerous and potentially deadly for consumers. We ask that the Texas Legislature increase oversight for the advertising practices of urgent cares, and hold these facilities accountable to the terms set back in 2009. This is a critical step in protecting consumers and increasing health care transparency in Texas.