PRESS RELEASE:
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.
Urgent care is not appropriate for all situations and is not appropriate for life threatening care. A helpful infographic showing when to choose emergency care or urgent care can be found at www.ucaoa.org
About Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care
Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care offers affordable treatment of non-life threatening illnesses and injuries by licensed medical professionals at four locations in Asheville, Weaverville and Brevard with a fifth location opening in east Asheville in early fall. To date, the local, not-for-profit organization has served more than a million patients in the WNC region. Last year, the organization provided more than half a million dollars in free and undercompensated care in Western North Carolina and internationally. In addition, donations over the last six years have enabled quarterly medical teams from Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care to Haiti. These teams have provided more than $796,000 in aid just since 2013 and care for 4,000 people annually in Haiti.
No appointment is necessary, and the Asheville locations are open seven days a week, 362 days a year, except for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. More information about hours and locations can be found at www.urgentcares.org
About the Urgent Care Association of America
The Urgent Care Association of America (UCAOA) is a membership association for urgent care health and management professionals, clinics and those who support the urgent care industry. UCAOA provides educational programs in clinical care and practice management, has a monthly Journal of Urgent Care Medicine and maintains an active online presence and member community for daily exchange of best practices. UCAOA provides leadership, education and resources for the successful practice of urgent care for its members. For more information visit www.ucaoa.org.
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