The Texas legislature recently determined mediation will be available for people who receive medical bills from both emergency room and freestanding ER visits.   Freestanding ERs are a newer phenomenon and are opening at record speeds throughout Texas.   Though these freestanding ERs provide medical care to people who might not otherwise be able to get to an emergency room, they have created confusing and expensive billing situations for many.   

Part of the problem is that freestanding ERs look and seem like urgent care facilities, but they do not administer charges the same as urgent care.   As a matter of fact, freestanding ERs often bill thousands of dollars for common conditions – something that occurs when patients seek care at regular ERs for non-emergency situations.   Many of these freestanding ERs are also out of network for patients – something they do not realize when they seek care. 

Until Senate Bill 507 passed, there were limited resources for patients who received a surprise bill after care from a freestanding ER.  

Now, the bill ensures patients have a way to contest the surprise bills and are able to work out a payment arrangement or other arrangement through mediation.   The bill also requires freestanding ERs to clearly disclose up front whether they are or are not part of a patient’s network before providing care.   State senators who supported the bill wanted to make sure patients were not haggling with administrative staff in ERs when they were dealing with a medical emergency.   Many believed the freestanding ERs took measures to make the situation more confusing in an attempt to take advantage of vulnerable Texans seeking medical care.