Most urgent cares are staffed by NPs/PAs, often without physician supervision - can you trust them with your life?

Dr. John Lafferty shares details from a study showing that of 300 referrals from urgent cares to the ER, 55% were unnecessary and 64% resulted in a 'discordant' (different) diagnosis.

"Our data found that 55% of patients referred to EDs from UCCs did not
require ED-specific care or resources and 64% carried a discordant diagnosis between UC and ED diagnosis. We suggest quality remedies, such as educational sessions and engagement with telemedicine sub-specialists as well as a coordinated formalized system for UCC to ED referrals."

Poyorena C, Patel S, Keim A, et al. Evaluating urgent care center referrals to the emergency department. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2022;3(6):e12838. Published 2022 Dec 7. doi:10.1002/emp2.12838

PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org