REPORT HIGHLIGHT

U.S. freestanding emergency department market was valued at USD 3.6 billion by 2019, growing with 6.7% CAGR during the forecast period, 2020-2026.

Freestanding Emergency Department (FSED) is a licensed entity apart from hospitals and clinics and provides emergency medical care. The FSED’s are two types namely; independent freestanding emergency centers (IFECs) and hospital outpatient department (HOPD), also termed as a satellite emergency (ED) or off-site hospital-based department. As per the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the number of FSEDs is increasing continuously in the U.S. to meet ever-changing regulatory and health care requirements.

As per guidance from regulatory bodies, these centers need to be in operation 24 hours and provide every needy with a medical screening regardless of their ability to pay. These centers are staffed by physicians and nurses and have the resources to serve basic diagnostic services and basic screening. The freestanding emergency departments are similar to hospital emergency rooms. The only difference is that it is not structurally attached to hospitals.

Market Dynamics

FSEDs are playing an important role in the U.S. medical system. Some of the major factors driving the growth of the global market include huge investment in healthcare infrastructure in the country, overcrowding of emergency departments in hospitals, rising occurrences of patients requiring emergency services, and R&D initiatives.  Moreover, the increasing prominence of epilepsy and rising incidents of road accidents which requires immediate treatment is anticipated to influence the adoption of the freestanding emergency department in the country. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASRIT), in the U.S., every year almost 38,000 people die due to road accidents. Also, more than 4 million people are seriously injured which requires immediate medical care. This number can be reduced by providing immediate care to the patient in urgent need as it generally happens while transferring the patients to the appropriate hospitals.

Furthermore, various research studies suggested that the volume of FSED visits has increased in the U.S. during the past few years as patients lack access to other providers, patients desire more immediate access to medical care, or providers have changed their practice patterns. These factors would, in turn, further stimulate the demand for FSED, augmenting the industry growth to a great extent. Further, the report takes into account the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic on the freestanding emergency department market and offers a clear assessment of the projected market fluctuations during the forecast period.

Ownership Takeaway

Based on the ownership, the market has been categorized into the independent freestanding emergency department (IFSED) and Hospital-affiliated off-campus emergency department (OCED). The OECD (also called a Microhospitals) segment dominates the global market by holding a significant share in the worldwide market. These entities are owned by hospitals whereas IFSED is privately held. As per the Medicare and the Health Care Delivery System (June 2017) data, there were more than 400 363 OCEDs operated in 35 states of the U.S. and were affiliated with more than 300 hospitals, as of 2016.

A contributing factor to the growth of this segment may include the proliferation of medical services providing these facilities coupled with eligibility for Medicare reimbursement. It is also noted that in recent years, many independent departments have chosen to affiliate with hospital facilities to enable them to bill Medicare which will further fuel the segment growth to a great extent. On the other hand, the IFSED segment is anticipated to grow with a promising growth rate during the future period. Associated benefits such as these services are independently operating and thus, providing the best quality care and medical treatment to the patients.

Service Type Takeaway

Depending upon the service type, the industry has been segmented into the following categories i.e. laboratory service, imaging service, and emergency department (ED) service.

Among all the services, the ED segment is anticipated to lead the U.S. freestanding emergency department market throughout the study period. Some of the factors supporting the segment growth include a rising number of medical screening processes, increasing volume of accident injuries, and faster turnaround time. On the other hand, the imaging service segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The segment growth is majorly attributed to the rising awareness regarding the necessity of medical imaging for the conclusion of the medical condition among the large consumer base. Also, rising income per capita and increasing ratio of chronic diseases are anticipated to create new opportunities for the segment growth.

Key Vendor Takeaway

Emerus, Tenet Healthcare Corporation, Adeptus Health, Inc., Universal Health Services, Inc., Ascension Health, Community Health System, Ardent Health Services, HCA Healthcare, Inc., Lifepoint Health, Inc., Advis, and Legacy Lifepoint Health, Inc. are some of the key companies operating in this industry.

These companies are adopting several organic strategies such as product launch, strategic merger and acquisition, funding, R&D initiatives, and many others in order to maximize their market share. For instance, in November 2019 HealthLeaders announced to increase patient spending for freestanding emergency departments after examining data collected from four states including Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, and Florida.

In addition, key players are engaged in providing various services to attract a large customer base. For instance, in March 2019, LifePoint Health was awarded for the company’s participation in the Opioid Light ED Collaborative Pilot program. The company was recognized at the Tennessee Hospital Association’s (THA) Annual Medication Safety Summit.

The market size and forecast for each segment and sub-segments has been considered as below:

• Historical Year – 2015 to 2018
• Base Year – 2019
• Estimated Year – 2020
• Projected Year – 2026

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Traders, Distributors, and Suppliers
• Manufacturers
• Government and Regional Agencies
• Research Organizations
• Consultants
• Distributors

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

The scope of this report covers the market by its major segments, which include as follows:

U.S. FREESTANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MARKET KEY PLAYERS

• Emerus
• Tenet Healthcare Corporation
• Adeptus Health, Inc.
• Universal Health Services, Inc.
• Ascension Health
• Community Health System
• Ardent Health Services
• Hca Healthcare, Inc.
• Lifepoint Health, Inc.
• Advis
• Legacy Lifepoint Health, Inc

U.S. FREESTANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MARKET BY OWNERSHIP

• Hospital-affiliated Off-Campus Emergency Department (OCED)
• Independent Freestanding Emergency Department (IFSED)

U.S. FREESTANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MARKET, BY SERVICE

• Emergency Department (ED) Service
• Imaging Service
• Laboratory Service