Urgent Care Still on Fire

In a recent article, the NY Times restated a fact that we've know for awhile.  The urgent care healthcare segment continues to be Hot.  As noted by the author, Julie Creswell, "The business model is simple:  Treat many patients as quickly as possible."  From this simple approach, the industry has grown to an estimated $14.5 billion business and garnered the attention of commercial insurance companies, regional health systems, local hospitals.  And now..private equity firms.  In fact, PE investors are driving the growth these days.  Of course, expensive ER visits, limited office hours, the more insureds/less doctors conundrum may have contributed to the UC interest and clinic increase.  (~9000 US clinics)

Certainly, well-run platforms are appealing - wonder how many will evolve into a McDonald's type brand?  What do you think?

>>More food for thought:  Race Is On to Profit From Rise of Urgent Care

Onward and Upward for Urgent Care

Steady Growth...is the trend for urgent care centers in the US - based on the results from the 2012 Urgent Care Benchmarking Study.  Approximate growth from 2008-2010 was 300 centers per year.  In 2011, the growth rate nearly doubled and 80% of urgent care centers reported an increase in patient visits.  The study will soon be released by the Urgent Care Association of America (UCAOA), the industry arm providing leadership, education and resources for its members. 
Source:  Urgent Care Association of America