Health care
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Health Care Edition
2025
Readers, welcome to Community Impact’s annual health care edition! This guide, compiled by our team of local reporters, explores pivotal developments shaping the medical landscape of Central Austin. Our cover story explores how robotics and technology is becoming intertwined in Austin’s health care scene. Additionally, our edition includes key updates from ve local hospitals.
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What's inside
Learn how heat can impact those with diabetes (Page 24)
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Medical experts clarify care options
Who’s providing the care?
No matter the facility, patients might be seen by either a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner—so what’s the di erence? • MD (medical doctor): physicians who complete medical school and residency, can perform surgery, and prescribe medication • NP (nurse practitioner): registered nurses with advanced degrees who can diagnose, treat and prescribe More NP programs are becoming doctoral- level, meaning they involve more advanced education, said Amy Papermaster, a nurse practitioner at Women’s Health. In Texas, NPs must also collaborate with a physician. Papermaster said patients won’t notice much di erence between seeing a nurse practitioner and a physician. Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and manage a wide range of conditions.
A sore throat on a Saturday night may leave one wondering, “Should I wait for my doctor, visit urgent care or head to the emergency room?” Amid seasonal illnesses, local experts share tips for choosing the right level of care. “Knowing where to turn during a medical emergency is extremely important for the community, because it [leads] to the best possible outcome and also ensures that they receive the best value for the care provided,” said Laura Hochwalt, vice president of emergency services at St. David’s HealthCare. Hochwalt said doctors are present not only at primary care o ces but also at urgent care centers and in emergency room departments.
Knowing where to go
Patients should see a primary care provider for nonurgent health concerns and routine medical care. Primary care o ce Urgent care is for after-hours care meant for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Urgent care center Emergency rooms are for life-threatening situations, such as traumatic injuries, fractures, burns and stroke-like symptoms. Emergency room
SOURCES: ST. DAVID’S HEALTHCARE, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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