Freestanding ERs bloom in Texas, raising questions about costs and benefits

Reflecting a national trend, freestanding emergency departments are sprouting in the Lone Star State, where there are now more than 200.

More than 90 percent of these have opened over the last five years, many are conspicuously showing up in affluent areas—and some offer advanced imaging services such as CT.

Preston Hollow People, an online publication of D (for Dallas) magazine, takes a look at the pros and cons of the development: 

Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.