This post is sponsored by HCA HealthONE.
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn when someone in your family is sick or hurt.
Whether it’s a fever, a broken bone, or something more serious, knowing your options can help you act quickly and confidently. Here’s your mom friendly guide for deciding between a freestanding emergency room, a hospital ER or an urgent care clinic.
Tip 1: Know what a freestanding emergency room is
- What is it? A freestanding emergency room is an ER located away from a hospital but
connected to one. You can spot one by its name—look for mentions of a hospital or
health system. - Who do they treat? They treat kids and adults and are staffed by board-certified
emergency room physicians and nurses who are experienced in treating emergencies. - Why choose it? It’s open 24/7, staffed by board-certified doctors and nurses, and
equipped to handle serious emergencies like a hospital ER. HCA HealthONE has five free-
standing ERs across the Denver region – HCA HealthONE Belmar ER, HCA HealthONE
Central Park ER, HCA HealthONE Northeast ER, HCA
HealthONE South Parker ER and HCA HealthONE Southwest ER. - Here is what you should know about freestanding emergency rooms.
Tip 2: Visit a freestanding ER or ER for serious emergencies
Some situations are life-threatening and require emergency care. Head to a freestanding ER or hospital ER for:
- Suspected heart attack or stroke
- Trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reactions
- Broken bones, severe burns, or heavy bleeding
- High fever that won’t go down
- Uncontrolled vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
- Suspected poisoning or overdose
- We’ve put together 9 things to expect during a trip to the emergency room.
HCA HealthONE freestanding ERs have shorter wait times, experienced staff, and a seamless transfer process if hospital care is needed. They even offer pediatric expertise, so your little one is in great hands.
Tip 3: Keep this in mind about freestanding ERs
- Shorter waits: Freestanding ERs often have lower wait times compared to hospital ERs.
- Full-service care: From labs to imaging (X-rays, CT scans), freestanding ERs are well-
equipped for emergencies. - Pediatric expertise and training: Your child’s injury or illness is important. All HCA
HealthONE ERs are pediatric-ready emergency rooms, which means you can trust our
specialists to know how to work with and treat your child on their level. If your child
needs a higher level of care, we can move kids to HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain
Children’s at Presbyterian St. Luke’s. - Insurance accepted: They accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and
Medicaid. - 24/7 care: Open day and night, all year round!
Tip 4: Choose urgent care for less severe issues
For illnesses and injuries that aren’t emergencies but still need attention quickly, visit an urgent care clinic. Here’s when to go:
- Common illnesses: Cold, flu, strep throat or UTIs
- Minor injuries: Small burns, cuts, sprains or bug bites
- Other concerns: Pink eye, rashes, migraines or eczema
- We put together tips for if you are not sure when to go to and ER or urgent care.
CareNow® Urgent Care offers 11 clinics across the Denver area and are open with extended hours, walk-in options and online check-in to save time.
Tip 5: Call for free advice when you’re not sure
Not sure if you should head to an ER, Freestanding ER or urgent care? Call HCA HealthONE’s Consult-a-Nurse for free advice on 844.70.NURSE. Whether you’re worried about your child’s fever or caring for an aging parent, their nurses can help you make the right decision.
Tip 7: Be prepared before you need care
Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared isn’t! Save the nearest ER or freestanding ER or urgent care location in your phone and keep the Consult-a-Nurse number handy: 844.70.NURSE. It’s peace of mind for when your family needs it most.
Your family’s health matters, and with these tips, you’ll know just where to go when it counts.
