The Urgent Care Association of America reports that there are 7,100 urgent care centers in the U.S, according to an article on the Healthcare Dive website.
Eighty-seven percent of urgent-care center operators acquired or built a new location in 2014 and 89% had an increase in patient visits in 2014, up from the previous year.
While some raise concerns those who use urgent care may not establish a relationship with a primary care provider, the Urgent Care Association reprots 66% of urgent care patients have a primary care doctor.
Urgent care centers are forecast to increase in number as the population ages and health insurance coverage increases, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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