Health care
BY ELLE BENT
Health Care Edition
2025
Readers, welcome to Community Impact’s annual health care edition! This annual guide explores pivotal developments shaping the medical landscape of South Central Austin. The content is created by our team of local reporters. The goal of this guide, published every June, is to bring readers closer to something that impacts them everyday: health. Our reporters explore key developments, stakeholders, technological advancements, and options for care in the following stories. Check out the latest updates from ve major hospitals in South Austin on page 17. Our cover story, continued on page 24, explores and examines the role Austin’s life sciences sector impacts everyday health care, from surgical innovations to development around the city. Additionally, our guide explores a variety of topics including how the Texas heat impacts those with diabetes to local funding for Austin Public Health. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition and wish good health for you and your family!
What's inside
Discover more about SUV units replacing some local ambulances (Page 18)
Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com
Find out how the Texas heat this summer can impact those with diabetes (Page 22)
Learn about locally provided cellular cancer treatments at St. David’s (Page 23)
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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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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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