Practice Management Articles

Urgent Message: Meridian Health’s Mental Health Urgent Care service addresses the gap between outpatient therapy and hospitalization. As a way to improve access in communities, this model also provides cost savings and convenience for clients. Katie Nolin, MSc, LMFT, LCADC In 2024, Meridian Health launched its Mental Health Urgent Care service to address a critical gap in mental healthcare: the space between outpatient therapy and hospitalization. Since the program’s inception, we’ve served 39 clients, primarily addressing depression, anxiety, and addiction. While these numbers may seem modest, they reflect a broader, …
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Fifteen years after the initial private equity platform investments in NextCare, FastMed, and MD Now, the number of urgent care rooftops backed by private equity has grown to 18% of the nation’s 14,423 urgent care centers, as of May 12, 2025. The total number of urgent care rooftops with private equity investment grew by 11% from 2,359 last reported by JUCM in April 2024 to today’s 2,622. Much of this growth has occurred organically and through smaller “bolt-on” acquisitions, as private equity-backed platforms have continued to add locations at a …
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The following table summarizes the 100 largest urgent care operators by number of locations as of April 1, 2025, based on data provided by National Urgent Care Realty and Urgent Care Consultants. Because of the significant number of private operators that also operate facilities with hospital partners, the list delineates health-system-affiliated locations. Duplication is avoided by placing joint venture centers under the operating partner. Data is reported by the parent entity as opposed to regional brands, partnerships, or affiliations. Of the nation’s 14,442 urgent care centers, 5,722 (40%) are operated …
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Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc Urgent Message: While there are seemingly countless applications for artificial intelligence in healthcare, ambient scribes and front desk automation are key solutions that are readily available for adoption by urgent care providers. Citation: Ayers AA. Two AI Trends That Will Change Urgent Care. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(8):43-45 Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, and urgent care operators have increasing opportunities to leverage AI in a way that works for patients and providers. While many AI-driven innovations are still in development, 2 solutions …
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Alan Ayers, MBA, MAcc Urgent Message: Legislation for the licensure of urgent care centers has been enacted or proposed in 4 states for 2025, creating state administrative offices that can further define rules affecting operations. Citation: Ayers AA. State Legislation Could Impact Urgent Care Facilities. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(7):43-45 Several states have recently proposed rules calling for the regulation of urgent care centers. While most of the bills have a long journey ahead before possible enactment, urgent care owners and operators should be aware of this push for …
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