In today’s fast-moving world, finding time to address health concerns can feel like a juggling act. Urgent care centers have become a go-to solution for those moments when you need care quickly but don’t require an emergency room. Whether it’s a sudden ear infection, a minor sprain, or a nagging cough, urgent care offers a convenient middle ground between primary care and hospitals. Over the past decade, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, urgent care has evolved dramatically, with online urgent care emerging as a vital part of modern healthcare. This article explores how urgent care has grown, the pivotal role of virtual care post-COVID, and its lasting impact on how we access healthcare.
A Decade of Rapid Growth
Urgent care centers have been around since the 1970s, but their growth has exploded in recent years. From 2014 to 2023, the number of urgent care centers in the U.S. nearly doubled, rising by 99.2% from 7,220 to 14,382, according to a Trilliant Health study. This surge was driven by a widening gap in primary care access and a growing demand for convenient, on-demand healthcare. Patients wanted faster alternatives to long wait times for doctor appointments or costly emergency room visits for non-life-threatening issues.
The growth wasn’t uniform across the country. For example, Wyoming has the highest per capita concentration of urgent care centers at 7.4 per 100,000 people, while the District of Columbia has the lowest at 2.4 per 100,000. This variation highlights regional differences in healthcare needs and infrastructure. The rise in centers reflects a broader shift toward accessibility, with urgent care becoming a trusted option for conditions like respiratory infections, minor injuries, and diagnostic services such as X-rays or lab tests.
| Year | Number of Urgent Care Centers | Growth Rate |
| 2014 | 7,220 | – |
| 2018 | 10,484 | 45.21% |
| 2023 | 14,382 | 99.2% (from 2014) |
Table: Growth of urgent care centers in the U.S. (Data from Trilliant Health and Consumer Reports)
The Covid Catalyst
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for urgent care. As hospitals and emergency rooms became overwhelmed, urgent care centers stepped up to fill critical gaps. They administered an estimated 70 million COVID-19 tests nationwide, according to Healthcare IT News, and saw a 58% increase in patient visits in 2020 compared to pre-pandemic levels. By the fourth quarter of 2021, total visits were 108.0% higher than in the same period in 2018, with 44.7% of those visits related to COVID-19 testing or treatment.
The pandemic didn’t just drive more patients to urgent care—it reshaped how care was delivered. With many people hesitant to visit in-person facilities due to infection risks, urgent care providers rapidly adopted virtual care services. This marked a significant shift, as online urgent care became a safe and convenient way to address both COVID-related and non-COVID health concerns. Even after the peak of the pandemic, non-COVID urgent care visits remained 18.9% higher in mid-2023 compared to mid-2019, showing that the demand for urgent care, both in-person and online, has stayed strong.
The Rise of Online Urgent Care
Online urgent care, often delivered through telemedicine platforms, has transformed how patients access care for acute, non-emergency conditions. Through video consultations, secure messaging, or even remote monitoring, patients can connect with healthcare providers from home. This is particularly useful for common urgent care issues like upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, pharyngitis, or minor injuries—conditions that don’t always require a physical exam but still need prompt attention.
Research highlights the effectiveness of online urgent care. A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that telemedicine is noninferior to in-person care for conditions like uncomplicated cystitis or low-back pain, with some evidence suggesting reduced antibiotic prescribing and imaging. For example, virtual visits for low-risk complaints like respiratory infections had a 13.5% follow-up rate and less than 1% emergency department use, with consultations taking just 2-3 minutes.
The benefits are clear: patients enjoy convenience, reduced exposure to illnesses, and often lower costs. For providers, online urgent care optimizes resources, eases the strain on physical facilities, and boosts patient satisfaction—67% of patients at Penn Medicine rated telemedicine positively during the pandemic. However, challenges persist. Not everyone has reliable internet or devices, creating access disparities, particularly in rural or low-income areas. Users of telemedicine tend to be younger, wealthier, urban, and white, highlighting equity gaps. Additionally, some large-scale telehealth operators have exited the market, raising questions about the sustainability of virtual care within urgent care centers.
A Vital Role in Modern Healthcare
Online urgent care has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, complementing primary care and emergency services. It offers a flexible solution for patients who need prompt care but don’t require hospitalization, helping to decongest emergency rooms. During the pandemic, online urgent care was critical for managing COVID-19 testing and treatment, allowing hospitals to focus on severe cases. It also ensured continuity of care for non-COVID issues, from allergies to minor fractures.
Beyond crises, online urgent care fits the demands of modern life. For busy parents, professionals, or those in rural areas with limited healthcare access, virtual visits provide a lifeline. The Urgent Care Association notes that urgent care centers handle about 89 million patient visits annually, many for conditions well-suited to telemedicine. This integration enhances healthcare accessibility and efficiency, making it a vital part of the system.
Looking to the Future
The future of online urgent care looks promising, but it’s not without hurdles. Technological advancements, such as AI-driven diagnostics or remote monitoring devices, could make virtual care even more effective. However, addressing the digital divide—ensuring access to reliable internet and devices—is critical for equitable care. Clinician training in telemedicine and clear regulatory frameworks, including consistent reimbursement policies, will also be essential.
The uncertainty around virtual care’s expansion is notable. While many urgent care centers have embraced telemedicine, some large telehealth operators, like those backed by retailers such as Walmart, have scaled back, with Walmart Health closing all locations. This suggests a need for sustainable models that balance virtual and in-person care. Research is also needed to identify which conditions are best suited for telemedicine and to improve virtual communication techniques.
Closing Thoughts
The evolution of online urgent care, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores its importance in modern healthcare. From a nearly two-fold increase in urgent care centers to the widespread adoption of virtual services, the industry has adapted to meet the needs of a changing world. Online urgent care offers convenience, accessibility, and effective care, making it a lifeline for millions. As technology advances and healthcare evolves, addressing challenges like access disparities and regulatory clarity will ensure that online urgent care continues to thrive, bridging the gap between traditional care and the demands of modern life.
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