Freestanding ED diverts patients from hospitals

Here's one alternative approach for dealing with ED crowding. Inova HealthPlex, a freestanding emergency department, sees close to 33,000 patients annually, but has no inpatient beds. If a patient needs inpatient care, they're transported to surrounding hospitals, including the handful of hospitals Inova itself operates. Meanwhile, patients who don't need inpatient treatment get quicker care, officials say. Article [1]