U.S. Urgent Care Centers Market Analysis
Based on service type, the market is categorized into acute illness treatment, trauma/injury treatment, immunization & vaccination, diagnostic services, other service types. The acute illness treatment segment dominates the market with a revenue of around USD 28.8 billion in 2023.
- The rising incidence of acute illnesses, such as respiratory infections, flu, gastroenteritis, and urinary tract infections, drives the demand for immediate medical attention. Urgent care centers are well-equipped to handle these conditions promptly, providing patients with a viable alternative to waiting for appointments with primary care physicians or enduring long waits in emergency rooms.
- Additionally, these centers offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and do not require appointments. This level of accessibility is crucial for patients experiencing sudden acute illnesses who need immediate care but cannot wait for a scheduled visit. The convenience of walk-in services makes urgent care centers a preferred choice for acute illness treatment.
Based on ownership, the U.S. urgent care centers market is categorized into hospital owned, physician owned, corporate owned, and other ownerships. The hospital owned segment dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of around 60%.
- Hospital-owned urgent care centers provide a seamless integration of care within the broader health system. Patients benefit from continuity of care, with their medical records easily accessible across the hospital's network. This integration enhances care coordination, improves patient outcomes, and ensures consistent follow-up care, particularly for those requiring specialized treatments or inpatient services.
- Moreover, hospitals and health systems have established reputations for providing high-quality care. Patients are more likely to trust and visit urgent care centers that are affiliated with reputable hospitals. The hospital’s brand recognition and trust factor drive patient traffic to these centers, as patients feel assured of receiving reliable and quality care.
Based on location, the U.S. urgent care centers market is categorized into urban, suburban, and rural. The urban segment dominated the market in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 85.3 billion by 2032.
- Urban areas have high population densities, leading to increased demand for healthcare services. Urgent care centers in these areas cater to a large number of residents who need immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. The high volume of potential patients drives the growth and proliferation of urgent care centers in urban settings.
- Furthermore, the residents in urban areas often seek convenient and accessible healthcare options due to their busy lifestyles. Urgent care centers, typically located in easily accessible areas with extended hours, offer a practical solution for immediate medical needs. The convenience of walk-in services without the need for appointments appeals to urban dwellers who require flexible healthcare options, thereby leading to segment growth.
The East South Central urgent care centers market accounted for USD 18 billion market revenue in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at CAGR of 8.2% between 2024 – 2032 period.
- The zone has a mix of urban and rural areas, with many rural communities facing limited access to primary care and specialist services. Urgent care centers bridge this gap by providing immediate, accessible healthcare services to residents in both urban and underserved rural areas. The establishment of urgent care centers helps to alleviate healthcare disparities and improves access to medical care in remote regions.
- Moreover, the zone has a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Urgent care centers offer services for the management and treatment of these chronic conditions, including monitoring, medication management, and preventive care. The demand for managing chronic diseases drives the growth of urgent care centers as they provide convenient and timely care to patients.
West South Central urgent care centers market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
- The economic disparities and varying levels of income across the region make cost-effective healthcare options crucial. Urgent care centers provide an affordable alternative to emergency room visits for non-life-threatening conditions, making them an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage healthcare expenses while receiving timely care.
- Further, the zone has a robust industrial and business sector, with many employers offering occupational health services as part of their employee benefits. Urgent care centers provide these services, including pre-employment physicals, drug screening, and treatment for work-related injuries, supporting local businesses and their workforce. The demand for occupational health services contributes to the expansion of urgent care centers.