It almost feels that life never existed before the uninvited pandemic shut things down. We no longer hear music from local event venues or the activity of busy pedestrians traversing city streets during a busy workday. While we are in a phase of re-opening to the public, there are rules. As of Wednesday, June 3, Texas began Phase 3 of reopening. All businesses currently operating at 25% capacity can expand occupancy to 50% with certain exceptions.Bars and similar establishments … [Read more...] about Social Distancing While in Public Places
Community Health News
Top 5 July 4th Accidents and Injuries
4th of July is always reason to celebrate. Even this year with social distancing in place, families will still find ways to enjoy the day. There are many ways to get outside and have fun. We’ve compiled a list of activities that can turn fun into an unintended mishap which can mean a visit to the emergency room. What is your favorite thing to do to celebrate July 4th? Here is a list of the top 5 activities that can go from good to bad quickly and what to watch out … [Read more...] about Top 5 July 4th Accidents and Injuries
Symptoms of Appendicitis: When to Seek Emergency Care
The appendix is a pouch-like organ that sits in the lower right side of your belly. Appendicitis describes an inflamed or infected appendix. However, appendicitis is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening if an inflamed appendix ruptures. According to the National Institute of Health, acute appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery in the US. (Swain-Wilson 2019) As per researchers and studies, about 5 percent of Americans experience abdominal pain caused … [Read more...] about Symptoms of Appendicitis: When to Seek Emergency Care
STRESS RELIEF
Stress During a Crisis It’s only fitting that April is Stress Awareness Month. We are facing unprecedented times regarding our health. Our health and the health of our loved ones is paramount always. We want to be vigilant and protect ourselves in every way possible. How does that work during a pandemic or if you have a history of a certain disease in your family? We don’t have a crystal ball when it comes to our health. What we do have is the ability to manage stress. There are … [Read more...] about STRESS RELIEF
New Study Finds Patient Satisfaction is Higher at Freestanding Emergency Centers
Austin, TX— A new study published in the prestigious American Journal of Emergency Medicine found patient satisfaction is higher at Freestanding Emergency Centers (FECs) than at Hospital-Based Emergency Departments (HBEDs). The study collected data in the following four areas: a. physician courtesy; b. physician listening ability; c. whether patients were informed about their treatment; and d. physician concern for patients’ comfort. In all areas, FECs received higher patient satisfaction … [Read more...] about New Study Finds Patient Satisfaction is Higher at Freestanding Emergency Centers
Opossum Billboard Sparks Wildlife Rehab Donations
Recently one of our billboards brought opossums into the limelight. Some in the community felt that our billboard, showing a snarling opossum, perpetuated the myth that opossums are vicious animals that carry rabies. Our intention was to indicate that any wild animal bite would require a visit to the ER. In any case, let's be fair and address some misconceptions many folks have about our furry opossum friends. Do Opossums Carry Rabies? While any mammal can contract rabies, … [Read more...] about Opossum Billboard Sparks Wildlife Rehab Donations
It’s Time To Take A Stand For Emergency Care
With the end of the Texas legislative session coming on May 27, 2019, it’s time to take a stand. Insurance companies are doing what they do best…delaying and denying to avoid covering their patients. We are fighting for several bills that protect patients and hold insurance companies accountable. Time Is Running Out! Tell your legislators insurance companies need to honor their contractual and legal obligations to cover your medical emergency. Tell them to end the rampant and disgraceful … [Read more...] about It’s Time To Take A Stand For Emergency Care
How the Texas Legislature can fulfill “our promise to patients” this session
By Eric McLaughlin, M.D. & Board Member, Texas Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers (TAFEC) Texas consumers increasingly have their access to emergency medical care delayed or altogether thwarted, and their coverage for legitimate care denied. After witnessing this alarming trend, Texas’ freestanding emergency room community is taking action to better protect and inform patients and their families. Together, we are making a wide-ranging commitment to remove much of the … [Read more...] about How the Texas Legislature can fulfill “our promise to patients” this session
Freestanding ERs seeking Medicare and Medicaid Recognition
BASTROP, Texas (Nexstar) -- Texas is home to more than 200 independent, freestanding emergency centers. They aren’t affiliated with a hospital and aren’t recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, so people with that insurance may have to pay full price if they go there. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D., R-LA, has introduced a bill titled the “Emergency Care Improvement Act," which would provide Medicare and Medicaid recognition of freestanding emergency centers and provide a … [Read more...] about Freestanding ERs seeking Medicare and Medicaid Recognition
