Final answer:
A dedicated emergency department is a facility equipped and staffed to provide immediate medical attention to patients. It must be open 24/7, have an emergency physician on-duty, and possess necessary resources and trained staff.
Step-by-step explanation:
The CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) defines a dedicated emergency department as a facility that is specifically equipped and staffed to provide emergency care to patients who require immediate medical attention.
Such a department must be open 24/7, have a dedicated emergency physician on-duty at all times, and include necessary resources such as diagnostic equipment, medications, and staff trained in emergency medicine.
A dedicated emergency department is different from other types of medical facilities, such as urgent care centers, which may provide immediate care but do not have the same level of resources and capabilities as an emergency department.