Data: Option to Visit Urgent Care Lowers Visits to EDs

Markets where there are higher concentrations of urgent care centers have lower emergency room visit rates, according to a new survey from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. Not unexpectedly, the inverse relationship was also shown; areas where urgent care centers are less concentrated tend to have higher ED visit rates, as well as larger uninsured and Medicaid populations. Industry watchers are eager to see how the numbers trend, as urgent care continues to emerge as an alternative to the ED, particularly among Medicaid enrollees.