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# Frequently Asked Questions

## Is SignatureCare Emergency Center open 24 hours?

Yes, all of our emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Killeen, College Station/Bryan, Frisco, Texarkana, Midland, and Odessa, TX.

## Will I see a Physician or a Physician’s Assistant?

When you visit SignatureCare Emergency Center, you will only be seen and treated by highly trained, board-certified, experienced emergency care physicians. Our doctors will take their time discussing your health concerns and answering any questions you may have about your treatment options. You will never be rushed at our ER locations.

## Can I schedule an emergency room appointment online?

Yes, you can. Just go to our appointment page, but you can also walk in any time. No appointment is necessary.

## Do I need insurance to be treated at SignatureCare Emergency Center?

No, you do not need insurance to be treated at SignatureCare Emergency Center. We bill most insurance* plans, but we also accept self-pay patients.

## Does SignatureCare Emergency Center treat children and infants?

Yes. Our freestanding emergency rooms are equipped to provide emergency care to people of any age, including children and infants (pediatrics). We know that children often become frightened in emergency situations, and our staff and physicians are trained to provide personalized care and alleviate their fears.

## How is SignatureCare Emergency Center different from traditional hospital emergency rooms?

Just like traditional hospital emergency rooms, we offer emergency services 24 hours a day. However, unlike regular ERs, where you often have to wait hours for treatment, there are no long waits when you visit us. In fact, our facility boasts waiting times of only 10 minutes or less.

## How long is the wait in your emergency room?

Typically, your wait time to see a board-certified physician at Signature Emergency Center is 10 minutes or less. Also, you will always be seen by a board-certified physician, not a Physician Assistant.

## What if I need to stay overnight in the emergency room or hospital?

If your illness or injury requires you to stay in the emergency room overnight for observation, we can take care of you. Our trained staff can also quickly and easily transfer you to a top-quality local hospital if that becomes necessary. We will handle all of the necessary arrangements to transfer you to a hospital of your choice with as little stress as possible.

## What if I have questions about my Bill?

If you have questions concerning your medical bills or insurance claims, simply give us a call, and we will do everything we can to answer any inquiries you may have. You can easily reach the ER location. We look forward to serving you.

## What really is a freestanding emergency room?

Basically, a freestanding emergency room is an emergency center that provides emergency care services, emergency medications, laboratory services, CT scans, and X-rays in a facility that is not part of a hospital. The staff in freestanding emergency rooms is board-certified and fully trained in emergency care.

## Is SignatureCare Emergency Center more expensive than a traditional emergency room?

Our emergency room charges are typically the same as those of other freestanding or traditional emergency rooms. However, you need to be aware that most insurance plans have separate copay structures for emergency room visits, and fees may be higher than those for urgent care or doctor’s office visits.

## What do I need to bring with me when visiting the emergency room (ER)?

When you visit our emergency room, make sure you bring your driver’s license or photo ID and a method of payment such as your insurance card. If time allows, other things you will want to bring with you include a list of any medications you are taking, a list of medical conditions you suffer from, the name of your physician (primary care physician or specialist), and a list of any locations you have traveled to recently.

## Does SignatureCare Emergency Center provide everything a hospital emergency room can?

Yes. SignatureCare Emergency Center can provide the same care and treatment as a hospital emergency room. However, we can provide care much quicker and with more personalized attention. We have an in-house laboratory capable of performing everything from routine analysis to complex testing. We also have a state-of-the-art imaging center equipped with modern equipment, including X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans.

## Do I need an appointment to visit an emergency room?

No, you do not. There is no need to make an appointment to seek treatment from our ER team. We offer treatment to patients around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Furthermore, any necessary testing is done promptly onsite. The only time you may need to make an appointment is when an outpatient imaging is required. However, you can schedule your appointment in advance to eliminate wait times completely.

## What is a medical emergency?

A medical emergency is defined as a situation in which the patient feels that their symptoms are severe enough to cause them harm. This is known as a “prudent layperson’s standard”. In short, if you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms, you should see a physician. SignatureCare Emergency Center physicians are available 24/7.

## How is SignatureCare Emergency Center different than “Urgent Care Center”

Urgent care centers are much like doctors’ offices, except they offer extended hours. Additionally, urgent care centers are typically staffed with nurses or doctors who may not be trained in emergency care treatment. Our freestanding emergency centers, on the other hand, are staffed by board-certified emergency room doctors who can handle any type of emergency, including life-threatening conditions.

## How do I know if SignatureCare Emergency Center accepts my insurance?

We bill most insurance* plans. You can always call or visit any of our emergency rooms for more information.

## How does SignatureCare Emergency Center handle patients without insurance?

When you visit any of our emergency rooms, one of our doctors will give you a medical screening. If the screening determines that you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, we will treat you. However, if the screening determines that your condition can be treated in a non-emergency setting and you do not have insurance, you will either be given a referral or the option to self-pay, meaning you pay for the full treatment cost out of pocket.

## What is “Self-Pay?”

If you do not have insurance and wish to be treated by a doctor at an emergency room such as SignatureCare Emergency Center, you will be given the option to self-pay. If you choose this option, you can pay your bill using cash, credit card, or check.

*Please call our facility for billing information regarding your insurance coverage.

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