Urgent care centers: what does "urgent" really mean?

Abstract

This study examines patient perception of symptom urgency as it affects the choice of whether to utilize an urgent care center, to attempt to contact a family doctor, or to seek help at an emergency room, given similar symptoms. Three groups of patients were studied: 144 family practice patients who had not visited an urgent care center; 220 family practice patients who had visited one of three urgent care centers; and 180 other urgent care center patients. The findings suggest that people do have varying perceptions of urgency for the same symptoms and that physicians might benefit from considering this when scheduling hours. The analysis also shows a discrepancy among patients as to problems they perceive as appropriate for urgent care centers. The results can be used to provide a profile of patients who are using urgent care centers and to show how family practice physicians can better accommodate patients who might seek medical care elsewhere.