Urgent Care Centers: A Growing Component of the Healthcare System

Urgent Care Centers (UCCs) have become a key part of health care, offering a convenient option for care for non-life-threatening conditions. The growth of UCCs in Arkansas and across the U.S. is altering the landscape of healthcare access and delivery. This growth has been driven by consumer demand for convenient and timely access to care, an increase in multi-site operators, and evolving partnerships between UCCs and healthcare systems.

This explainer compares UCCs to other ambulatory care settings, looks at UCC workforce and ownership characteristics, and provides insights into state-specific regulatory responses. It also explores the challenges and considerations for integrating UCCs into the broader health system to enhance patient-centered care, ensure safety, and improve overall healthcare access and delivery.