Abstract
We examined the effect of a visit to an Urgent Care Center (UCC) on emergency department (ED) use by patients with nonemergent complaints. A study population of 1,629 patients with no previous visit to a UCC were identified and served as their own controls. The ED and clinic usage 6 months before and 6 months after a UCC visit were examined. After the UCC visit for adults there was a 48% reduction in ED visits (P = .0001) and 49% increase in clinic visits (P = .0001). After the UCC visit for children there was a 28% reduction in ED visits (P < .005) and 65% increase in clinic visits (P = .0001). Moreover the majority of clinic visits occurred within 90 days after the UCC visit. There was no substantial change in patterns of hospitalization 6 months after the UCC visit. We conclude that UCC usage decreases nonemergent ED use without adverse effects of increased patient hospitalization.
MeSH terms
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Academic Medical Centers / economics
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Academic Medical Centers / statistics & numerical data
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Adult
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Child
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Cost-Benefit Analysis
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Emergency Service, Hospital / economics
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Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
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Health Services Accessibility / economics
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Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data
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Health Services Misuse / economics
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Health Services Misuse / statistics & numerical data*
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Health Services Research
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Hospitalization / economics
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Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data*
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Hospitals, Urban / economics
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Hospitals, Urban / statistics & numerical data*
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Humans
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Life Tables
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New York City
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Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / economics
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Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
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Primary Health Care / economics
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Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
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Referral and Consultation / economics
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Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
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Time Factors