Many Emergency Department Visits Could Be Managed At Urgent Care Centers And Retail Clinics

• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0748
• Publication Date: 2010-09-06T20:27:54Z
• Authors: Robin M. Weinick; Rachel M. Burns; Ateev Mehrotra
• Keywords: Safety Management; 03 medical and health sciences; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; 0302 clinical medicine; Cost Savings; Commerce; Humans; Emergency Service, Hospital; Ambulatory Care Facilities; 3. Good health

Americans seek a large amount of nonemergency care in emergency departments, where they often encounter long waits to be seen. Urgent centers and retail clinics have emerged as alternatives the department for care. We estimate that 13.7–27.1 percent all visits could take place at one these alternative sites, with potential cost savings approximately $4.4 billion annually. The primary conditions treated sites include minor acute illnesses, strains, fractures. There is some evidence patients can safely direct themselves sites. However, more research needed ensure equivalent quality provided urgent compared departments.