Urgent Care Centers Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Convenience & cost-effectiveness: The urgent care centers are enabling walk-in care for non-emergency situations that readily caters to patients seeking alternatives to long wait tenures. A NIH study in July 2023 observed that the presence of a GP-led urgent care walk-in clinic near a hospital emergency department significantly reduced low-urgency emergency visits by 37.3%, especially in terms of dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, and trauma cases. Also, most patients referred from the ED received care at the clinic, decreasing the length of stay.

• Digital innovations: The aspect of technology and digitalization plays a vital role in healthcare that readily bolsters growth in the market expansion across all nations. For instance, in August 2025, UPMC and GoHealth Urgent Care launched 81 UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care centers across Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This joint venture expands access to the most trusted, on-demand care with advanced technology and streamlined operations, thereby fostering a favourable business environment in this field.

• Mutually beneficial collaborations: The existence of alliances between the urgent care providers and retail chains, health systems, and hospital networks is amplifying the growth trajectory in this landscape. In July 2025, Community Health Network and GoHealth Urgent Care declared a joint venture with a key emphasis on enhancing urgent care services across Central Indiana. This partnership aims to expand access to high-quality, on-demand care throughout the region, hence suitable for standard market upliftment.

Key Injury and Fatality Data Driving Urgent Care Market Growth (2023)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

International Interventions in Urgent Care Delivery Models 2023

Source: NIH

Challenges

• Workforce Shortages: One of the considerable challenges in the market is the lack of a skilled workforce, which hinders adoption among a wider group of audience. Besides, the increasing patient volumes and intensifying competition from hospitals and specialty clinics make it difficult to recruit a skilled workforce. Therefore, the existence of these concerns can further lead to longer wait times, reduced patient satisfaction, and ultimately hinder upliftment.
• Reimbursement complications: The aspect of regulatory and reimbursement complications is a major obstacle for the urgent care centers market to grab the desired consumer pool. The insurance policies vary widely by state and payer, wherein reimbursement rates for urgent care services are often lower compared to hospitals or specialist visits. Therefore, navigating through this can negatively impact financial sustainability and growth opportunities in the market.