UCA UCA Position Statements

Legislation

UCA Position Statements state the association's position on issues related to the urgent care industry, the practice of urgent care medicine, and/or urgent care professionals/clinicians.

Systemic Racism and Health

The Urgent Care Association recognizes that systemic racism undermines the health and well-being of the individuals and communities we serve.  Ongoing violence, racial inequality and discrimination negatively impact mental and physical health and contribute to unequal access to quality healthcare, and quality of life. Racism is among the CDC’s list of complex factors that drive health disparities and risk among people of color, and we acknowledge this urgent public health issue as one that affects our own team members and their families, our association members and their patients. As part of our mission to advance and support our industry through education, advocacy, and community awareness, we are committed to standing against racism and prejudice, toward the better health of all. 

Urgent Care Centers Deserve Fair Reimbursement for the Services and Access Provided

Urgent care centers (UCCs) provide walk-in access for patients seeking care for non-emergent illnesses and injuries. UCCs are typically open extended hours during the week, on weekends and most holidays. According to 2016 data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), 85.1 percent of adults and 93.6 percent of children within the United States visited a health care professional during the year. Outpatient physician office visits were reported as follows: Read more.

Policy Principles for Healthcare Reform

The Urgent Care Association (UCA) believes all Americans should have access to affordable healthcare coverage that provides access to healthcare providers who are best equipped to meet a patient’s healthcare needs in a timely manner. This means providing patients access to urgent care centers for acute, episodic care and, increasingly, primary care needs. Read more.

Improving Antibiotic Stewardship in Urgent Care

Urgent care centers treat more than 160 million patients each year, the vast majority of whom present with acute, infectious disease-related symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and fever. The proportion of patients with such symptoms seen in the urgent care setting is significantly higher than those seen in traditional office based primary care and internal medicine clinics. As such, the UCA recognizes the vitally important role our clinicians can play in the responsible use and preservation of antibiotics while focusing on the health of patients. The UCA is committed to ensuring urgent care medicine supports the White House National Strategy for Combatting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Read more.

Improving Accessibility of Urgent Care

Urgent care medicine has become an important link in the chain of healthcare delivery, providing quick, convenient and quality care for millions of people. Preserving and improving access to urgent care should be an important consideration for policymakers and payers as an increasing number of Americans gain health insurance. Read more.

Urgent Care Centers: The Case Against Certificate of Need

Urgent care centers fulfill an important healthcare need in communities across America, including for patients who have a primary care provider. Primary care physicians are not always available, including during the traditional work week, but especially after hours, weekends, and holidays. Urgent care centers can effectively and efficiently serve patients in need of immediate care for conditions that would otherwise be treated by primary care physicians. Lacking the alternative to an urgent care center, patients will seek care for non-emergent conditions in the more costly hospital emergency department. Read more.

Health Professional Staffing in Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care centers are an integral part of health care delivery in communities across the United States. Urgent care centers provide walk-in, extended-hour access for acute illness and injury care that is either beyond the scope or availability of the typical primary care practice or clinic. Among the most common conditions treated in urgent care centers are fevers, sprains and strains, upper respiratory infections, lacerations, contusions, and back pain. Most centers also treat fractures and provide intravenous fluids, as well as offer onsite X-ray, laboratory and phlebotomy services. Urgent care centers do not care for life (or limb) threatening situations, but will stabilize patients while securing emergency transport. The majority of urgent care centers employ family practice and emergency physicians, as well as licensed health care professionals, including registered nurses, radiology technicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Read more.

Helping Health Care Work Best - The Role of Urgent Care in Today's Healthcare System

Urgent care plays an important role in the healthcare industry. Our centers provide convenient, affordable and high-quality care for a variety of common illnesses and injuries – from sprains and broken bones to strep throat and sinus infections. Urgent care centers exist so patients can get help when they need it – without excessive waiting or overpaying. Some recent stories have questioned the role of urgent care centers versus emergency departments, and UCA wants to outline our view on the role of urgent care in today’s healthcare system. Read more.

UCA

URGENT CARE ASSOCIATION

UCA UCA Position Statements