Why hospitals are spending millions of dollars on urgent care centers

The urgent care boom is heading toward a goal of reducing health care spending annually by $4.4 billion, according to a new report on the shift away from traditional emergency rooms. Urgent care centers have gained traction as many hospital executives seek savings under the Affordable Care Act. The centers offer a mixed bag of services – think somewhere between a primary care doctor and emergency room. The United Hospital Fund's report touched on a range of urgent care issues, including a lack of oversight and regulations. The New York City-based organization's report also outlined the financial benefits from an ongoing push to wean hospitals off revenues from emergency departments, which remain one of the most costly ways to deliver medicine.