6 Distance From Freestanding Emergency Departments to Nearby Emergency Care

Abstract

Almost every week, new freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) open in the U.S., but many open near existing EDs rather than in areas where emergency care may be lacking. In response, in 2018 the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommended a reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates to FSEDs ≤6 miles of the nearest hospital-based ED. Furthermore, to increase access to emergency care in rural areas, they proposed a new payment model which would allow FSEDs in isolated areas (defined as >35 miles from the nearest ED) to receive reimbursement from Medicare for emergency services.