Hospitals Are Shutting Offsite EDs to Concentrate Staff. Can Urgent Care Pick Up the Slack?

Hospital systems in Texas are so overwhelmed with patients presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 that many operators have opted to close offsite emergency rooms in order to more fully staff EDs at their main sites—possibly leaving communities in the lurch when they need walk-in care not related to the virus. According to a report from the Associated Press, Memorial Hermann Health System, St. Luke’s Health, Texas Health Hospital, and Hunt Regional Healthcare all temporarily closed at least one off-site ED. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have increased 200% in Texas in the past month. As of August 24, 93% of ICU beds in the state were occupied by COVID-19 patients. Urgent care operators in the Lone Star State should survey their communities and surrounding areas to ascertain whether there is a shortfall. Ensure that local primary care and specialty practices, as well as hospital administrators, are up to date on your capabilities and hours of operation during the crisis.