Deaconess Health System is building a first-of-its-kind facility for the Evansville region, where emergency room care and urgent care happen at the same site.
Opening in 2026 and celebrated with a groundbreaking April 9, the Deaconess ER & Urgent Care at North Green River and Lynch roads will eliminate the need for patients to self-diagnose the treatment scenario they need, Deaconess physicians say.
The path will be steered by a board-certified emergency doctor who evaluates a patient upon arrival.
“Many patients aren’t sure whether they need urgent care or emergency services, and this model takes that uncertainty off their shoulders,” says Dr. Brad Scheu, president of the Deaconess Central Region.
The dual-model approach to treatment is used successfully in other cities, according to Deaconess. It simplifies access to care while also reducing overcrowding in emergency departments.
“For those with non-emergency needs, this means shorter waits and more cost-effective bills compared to a traditional ER visit without compromising on the quality of care,” Scheu says.
There are more benefits. The facility’s billing model charges patients only for the level of care they receive, potentially lowering out-of-pocket costs and reducing wait times.
Deaconess ER & Urgent Care will cover three floors and include medical offices, imaging, and an outpatient laboratory. The estimated cost is $40 million, and the whole building will occupy about 60,000 square feet.
The site is adjacent to Deaconess Clinic Lynch, a primary care provider that will remain open and unaffected by the construction nearby.
Dr. Matthew Gilbert, Deaconess Medical Director of Emergency Services, describes the ER and urgent care center as a “game-changer for patient care. As physicians, we see firsthand how confusion over where to seek care can lead to delays in treatment. By combining ER and urgent care services, we’re simplifying access to the right care at the right time — improving outcomes and patient experience.”
