July 2, 2026

Headlines

AMA Takes Stand: Physicians Are Not “Providers”

The AMA has formally opposed the use of the term “provider” when referring to physicians, arguing that the label obscures important distinctions in education, training and clinical responsibilities.

The new policy promotes the use of specific professional titles to improve transparency, strengthen patient understanding, and reinforce the physician-patient relationship.

NERUCA Leaders Bring the Voice of Urgent Care to New Jersey Policymakers

The Urgent Care Association is proud to recognize the Advocacy leadership of the North East Regional Urgent Care Association (NERUCA).
 
Through testimony before the New Jersey State House Committee, Markintosh Barthelemy, MD, MBA, and Dr. John Kulin shared real-world Urgent Care perspectives to help inform policy discussions, ensuring that the needs of providers and patients remain at the forefront of healthcare decision-making. Their efforts demonstrate the power of strong Advocacy in shaping the future of care.

JUCM Highlight: New mRNA Flu Shot Would Offer Timely Response To Circulating Flu Strains

A new mRNA-based influenza vaccine from Moderna could become the first commercially available flu shot using mRNA technology.
 
Recently endorsed by an FDA advisory committee for adults age 50 and older, the vaccine demonstrated a reduction in flu cases compared with a commonly used flu vaccine in a phase 3 clinical trial.
 
Experts say mRNA technology could allow manufacturers to update vaccine strains closer to flu season, potentially improving the match between vaccines and circulating influenza viruses. A final FDA decision is expected later this year.

Urgent Care in 2026, Part Two: Smarter Growth Strategies Emerge

Article two of three in Dean Hutchison’s Urgent Care in 2026 series.
 
This month’s installment explores how operators are balancing continued expansion with a growing emphasis on portfolio optimization and strategic acquisitions. Drawing on insights from National UC Realty’s tracking of more than 17,000 walk-in facilities nationwide, the article highlights how consolidation and data-driven decision-making are shaping growth strategies across the industry.
 
Read why leading organizations are taking a more targeted approach to expansion as they position themselves for long-term success in an evolving healthcare landscape.
 
For additional information on Urgent Care data, visit this page

UCA Affiliates

Urgent Care Foundation

The Urgent Care Foundation Continues to Champion the Future of Urgent Care

The Urgent Care Foundation was proud to represent the specialty at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) National Conference in Las Vegas last week, which hosted more than 4,500 nurse practitioners from across the country.

Throughout the conference, conversations centered on clinical excellence, leadership development, innovation, advocacy and professional growth, highlighting the vital role NPs play in shaping the future of healthcare. As key contributors to the delivery and advancement of Urgent Care medicine, nurse practitioners continue to strengthen patient access, quality of care and healthcare innovation nationwide.

The Foundation remains committed to supporting workforce awareness and education to advance Urgent Care.

Exciting things are on the horizon for the Foundation. Stay tuned for what’s next!

CAUCQ Program Recognition

Northwell-GoHealth Urgent Care

Northwell-GoHealth Urgent Care, serving 54 centers across New York, has successfully renewed its Accreditation, Urgent Care Certification and Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation.

This outstanding achievement reflects an ongoing commitment to excellence and highlights the dedication, collaboration and operational discipline required to uphold these high standards. It demonstrates Northwell-GoHealth’s leadership in delivering safe, high-quality and responsible care across every location.

 
Congratulations to Northwell-GoHealth Urgent Care
 

Novant-GoHealth Urgent Care

Novant-GoHealth Urgent Care has successfully maintained its Accreditation, Urgent Care Certification and Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation across its 33 North Carolina centers. This accomplishment reflects an enduring dedication to quality improvement and acknowledges the extensive teamwork, accountability and operational excellence required to achieve and sustain these honors.
Through these efforts, Novant-GoHealth continues to advance safe, high-quality and evidence-based care for the communities it serves.
 
Congratulations to Novant-GoHealth Urgent Care!
 

Urgi-Med Family Medical Center

Urgi-Med Family Medical Center has successfully renewed its Accreditation and Urgent Care Certification for its New Jersey center, proving its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. This achievement reflects the dedication, teamwork and operational excellence required to meet nationally recognized standards for urgent care delivery.

By maintaining these distinctions, Urgi-Med Family Medical Center demonstrates a continued focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement, ensuring patients receive trusted, reliable care with every visit.

Congratulations to Urgi-Med Family Medical Center!

College of Urgent Care Medicine

The Latest Urgent Updates

Urgent Updates are curated highlights of guidelines, reviewed by (and some directly coming from) Urgent Care clinicians. These highlights represent the actual intent of these articles and how they relate to the practice of Urgent Care medicine.

Webinars, Podcasts and Education

Solutions.Webinar | Financial Challenges In Urgent Care Practices - Sponsored by Ottehr

Thursday, July 9 | 3:00 p.m. CT

Reimbursement is flat. The cost to deliver care keeps climbing. The gap is your margin. Ottehr, a new urgent care EHR, can help. Ottehr was purpose built to reduce the operating costs of urgent care practices, from license fees to third party tools to staffing levels and efficiency.