Optimizing Urgent Care Delivery in Clinical Practice

Date: 06/27/25

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, one of the most persistent challenges is the overuse of an Emergency Room (ER) for non-emergent health issues. Often, members with acute but non-life-threatening conditions turn to the ER due to lack of access to timely care elsewhere. Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are increasingly essential in the delivery of urgent care services, helping to reduce unnecessary ER visits while ensuring patients receive timely, cost-effective coordinated care.

Key Reasons PCPs Should Handle Urgent Care:

• Reduces Avoidable ER Utilization

Offering care within 24 hours helps redirect patients from ERs for conditions like minor injuries, infections or asthma exacerbations, preserving ER capacity for true emergencies.

• Ensures Continuity of Care

PCPs know their patients’ full histories, which means better diagnoses, fewer redundant tests and faster medication decisions during urgent visits.

• Strengthens the Patient-Provider Relationship

Patients prefer care from a provider they know. When urgent needs are met in a familiar setting, satisfaction and adherence improve. 

• Supports Preventive and Proactive Care

Urgent visits can uncover gaps in preventive care like missed screenings or immunizations, helping PCPs manage long-term health more effectively.

• Improves Equity and Access

Primary care is often more affordable, culturally aligned and accessible than ERs, especially for vulnerable populations.

By addressing urgent care needs, PCPs enhance patient safety, reduce fragmentation and play a critical role in optimizing healthcare delivery. With every timely intervention, it reinforces trust and improves outcomes. To learn more about the urgent care services and appointment access standards, please review Superior’s Provider Manuals, located on Superior’s Training and Manuals webpage.