Asheville-based, not-for-profit Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care is celebrating Urgent Care Awareness month and hopes to educate patients about when to seek medical treatment at an urgent care center versus a hospital emergency room while detailing the important gap urgent care centers fill in the healthcare industry.
When unexpected
health mishaps arise, many people’s first reaction is to head to an emergency
room. But when those illnesses and injuries aren’t life threatening, not
knowing the best option for care can end up costing patients both time and
money.
“We recognize the importance of partnering with area hospitals
to alleviate the burden on emergency rooms,” said Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care
CEO Tim Johnston. “Because we provide urgent care for non-life threatening
injuries and illnesses, area hospitals are able to make better use of
their resources and provide faster ER care for true emergencies. Sisters of
Mercy Urgent Care partners with ERs and primary family physicians as we work together: primary care for wellness;
urgent care for non-life threatening care when their primary care physician is
not available; and area hospitals for acute care.”
According to Health Affairs, an estimated 27% of all ER visits
could have taken place at an urgent care center or retail clinic, at a cost
savings to patients of approximately $4.4 billion annually. Additionally, Urgent
Care Association of America (UCAOA) reports
that the nearly 7,100 urgent care centers in the United States provide walk-in
and extended hour access for a variety of illnesses and injuries that often get
treated in emergency rooms instead.
With 89 percent of urgent care centers experiencing an increase
in patient visits in 2014, the trend of industry growth ensures that more
patients will continue to have cost- and time-saving healthcare options. Most
urgent care centers (90 percent) provide a waiting time of 30 minutes or less
to see a provider, and at 84 percent of centers, patients spend 60 minutes or
less for an entire patient visit.
“The demand for urgent care is growing, and people need us, “
Johnston stated. “It’s why we’ve been here for more than 30 years. Starting
June 5 we will be open on Sundays at our North location, and by early fall we
will open a new center in East Asheville. This expansion will help us better
serve our community. Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care saves our community an
estimated $12 million annually through ER avoidance.”
UCAOA data also indicate that 98 percent of patients who visit
urgent care centers are in the appropriate care setting – with only 2 percent
needing emergency room diversion.
“When people know where to go based on their circumstances, the
system works best,” said Dr. Robert Kimball, president of the Board of
Directors, UCAOA.
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