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The Area Boom In Freestanding Emergency Departments

Kathy Leamon, RN, works at Parkridge North ER in November 2022.  Parkridge Health owns and operates Hamilton County's first freestanding ED and plans to open two new freestanding EDs in the next two years.
Olivia Ross
/
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Kathy Leamon, RN, works at Parkridge North ER in November 2022. Parkridge Health owns and operates Hamilton County's first freestanding ED and plans to open two new freestanding EDs in the next two years.

Chattanooga and Hamilton County serve as a regional hub for health care.

Now, what are known as freestanding emergency departments - freestanding ER’s - are on the rise in this area.

Elizabeth Fite is examining this trend as health care reporter for The Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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