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Role of urgent care centers in NY EMS examined

New facilities offer emergency-level services, but how do they fit in with EMS systems?

By Glenn Griffith
The Saratogian

SARAGTOGA COUNTY, N.Y. — Two new high-tech urgent care centers are due to open in Saratoga County within the next eight months, and a third has recently started the permitting process.

Ellis Hospital’s new urgent care facility will offer emergency-level services, along with diagnostics and laboratory services for patients and walk-ins and will be open 24/7. The 38,000-square-foot building, located at 103 Sitterly Road in Clifton Park, is slated to open this summer.

Construction on another urgent care facility, in a joint effort between Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center, began May 1. Their two-story emergency care center will also have emergency room doctors and nurses, diagnostics and lab services, and will be open 24/7. It’s expected to open early next year. And although these facilities will be staffed with emergency room personnel, EMS providers won’t be transporting any patients to these facilities.

Full Story: EMS: How urgent care affects you