The difference between a freestanding ER and a hospital-based ER is the process of admitting a patient to the hospital. At a freestanding ER, a patient who needs to be admitted to a hospital for inpatient care will be transported by ambulance or medical helicopter. These patients are directly admitted to the appropriate hospital unit and do not get re-evaluated by the hospital’s ER.

A freestanding ER operates 24/7, is staffed with board-certified emergency medicine physicians and is capable of caring for patients in critical medical conditions. Typically, urgent care clinics have limited hours of operation and may utilize mid-level providers like nurse practitioners for patient care. Urgent care clinics can be a good option for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Yes, Hartselle Health Park ER will be staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians as well as registered nurses, lab technicians and radiology technicians.

At a freestanding ER, a patient who needs to be admitted to a hospital for inpatient care will be transported by ambulance or medical helicopter. These patients are directly admitted to the appropriate hospital unit and do not get re-evaluated by the hospital’s ER.

Yes, Hartselle Health Park ER can treat any of the conditions a hospital-based ER can. It will be equipped with specialized physicians and clinical teams, on-site imaging technology including MRI and CT, on-site lab services, an ambulance bay and helipad.

On April 19, 2023, Cullman Regional received approval from the Alabama Certificate of Need Review Board to build a freestanding emergency department at Hartselle Health Park. With construction estimated to take 12 months, Hartselle Health Park ER will begin serving patients in 2024.