Emergency Department Utilization:
The emergency department annual volume and patient acuity level was utilized to determine the urgent care need in Southwest Michigan. The emergency department landscape is for higher acuity conditions (sicker patients). The number of patients that are seen in the emergency department for non-emergent conditions are above 30% annually. These patients that are seen in the emergency department with lower acuity conditions, can be treated in an urgent care setting. Caring for these patients in an urgent care setting, improves patient satisfaction and decreases the depend on the healthcare system.
