Urgent Care vs Austin Emergency Center
What makes Austin Emergency Center different from an Urgent Care Clinic? And how is this different from a Hospital-Based Emergency Room? The following table shows what the state of Texas requires of the three types of facilities.
Urgent Care | Austin Emergency Center | Hospital-based Emergency Room | |
X-Rays | ? | ✓ | ✓ |
Oxygen, Asthma Nebulizers | ? | ✓ | ✓ |
Basic Onsite Lab Tests | ? | ✓ | ✓ |
IV Fluids, Medications | ? | ✓ | ✓ |
24hours/day, 7days/week | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
ER-Trained/Experienced Doctors | ✕ | ✓ | + / - |
Overnight Observation | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
CT Scan | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Ultrasound | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Cardiac Onsite Lab Tests | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
ACLS, ATLS, PALS Credentialing | ✕ | ✓ | + / - |
Pharmacist | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Electricity Generator | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
EMTALA | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Integrated with Disaster Mgmt | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Licensed/Regulated by State | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Onsite Sub-Specialists | ✕ | ✕ | + / – |
O.R. with Anesthesiology | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
Wait Times | 15 - 30 min | <5 min | 30 -180 min |