At a glance
What a micro hospital can and can't do
A micro hospital is a small licensed hospital with a 24/7 ER and a few beds. Here is what that means for you in practice. Each facility differs, so call ahead when you can.
Emergency? Call 911.
Paramedics will take you to the right hospital for a heart attack, stroke or major injury.
| Can it... | Answer | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| See you in a 24/7 emergency department | Yes | The ER is open around the clock, like a hospital ER. |
| Keep you overnight | Yes | A small number of inpatient and observation beds. |
| Run CT, X-ray, ultrasound and lab tests | Usually | Most have them on site. Call ahead to confirm. |
| Admit you for a short hospital stay | Yes | For problems that do not need a large hospital. |
| Major surgery | No | You are transferred to a larger hospital. |
| Intensive care (ICU) | No | You are transferred to a larger hospital. |
| Serve as a trauma center | No | Serious injuries go to a trauma center; call 911. |
| Treat a minor problem cheaply | No | It bills at emergency level. Urgent care or your doctor usually costs far less. |
Sources: American Hospital Association; Healthcare Dive. General guidance, not medical advice. Compare with freestanding ERs and urgent care.
Written and medically reviewed by Harvey Castro, MD, MBA, board-certified emergency physician. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.