Market Forecast Shows Ongoing Growth of the Urgent Care Industry

The steady growth of the urgent care industry in the U.S. should continue for at least the next several years, according to a new market forecast from TMR Research. The growing proportion of the elderly population, the rise of chronic diseases that require occasional immediate attention, and increasing investment from both public and private parties will be primary drivers, according to the report. It defines urgent care centers as “walk-in or no appointment healthcare centers designed to provide cost-effective, quick, and high-quality services to the general public…with injuries or illnesses that are not life-threatening,” including injury, routine vaccinations, screening and monitoring, moderate illnesses, and occupational medicine. It also notes that urgent care will benefit from emerging consumer preferences for immediate care and the flexibility of access without an appointment. The only factors inhibiting even greater growth, it says, are a shortage of qualified providers (which affects most healthcare settings, not just urgent care), and the rising cost of opening new centers.