Definition of Urgent Care Center as Presented by the Urgent Care Association

An urgent care center is a medical clinic with expanded hours that is specially equipped to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of non-life and limb threatening illnesses and injuries. Urgent care centers are enhanced by onsite radiology and laboratory services and operate in a location distinct from a freestanding or hospital-based emergency department. Care is rendered under the medical direction of an allopathic or osteopathic physician. Urgent care centers accept unscheduled, walk-in patients seeking medical attention during all posted hours of operation.

Urgent Care Services
Definition of Urgent Care Services as Presented by the Urgent Care Association

“Urgent care services” means: 1) a medical examination, diagnosis and treatment for non-life or limb threatening illnesses and injuries that are within the capability of an urgent care center which accepts unscheduled, walk-in patients seeking medical attention  during all posted hours of operation and is supported by onsite evaluation services, including radiology and laboratory services; and 2) any further medical examination, procedure and treatment to the extent they are within the capabilities of the staff and facilities available at the urgent care center. By offering same-day ambulatory health care, urgent care centers are capable of providing, though not limited to, on-demand and scheduled medical, wellness and screening services for employers, injured workers, the commercially insured, Medicare, Medicaid, Tri-Care, self-insured employers and patients seeking cash-pay options.