Source Article – A health system ambulatory boom is coming

In this article Becker’s Hospital Review outlines indicators that the growth of the ambulatory segment of health systems is about to see exponential growth. While this expected growth is beyond just the Urgent Care space (ASCs for example), UCCs are part of the plan.

Some great quotes from the article include:

• Pete November, CEO of Ochsner – “We also see significant potential in the growth of outpatient and ambulatory care, enabling us to deliver high quality, convenient care closer to where our patients live and work,” said Mr. November. “These efforts are all part of our commitment to innovation and meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”

• Ethan Chernin, president of health services at Nashville, Tenn.-based Ardent Health, said the system sees these services as essential to the future.
  “We are investing in urgent care clinics, hybrid clinics and ambulatory surgery centers to bring care closer to home, while also advancing virtual capabilities such as inpatient specialist visits and virtual nursing to provide timely, convenient care across our communities,” said Mr. Chernin. “Alongside expanding access in the markets we currently serve, we continue to explore opportunities to bring value to new communities.”

As of September 2025, there are 15,148 Urgent Care centers nationwide, 40% of those centers are owned by or affiliated with a health system.  It will be interesting to see how these numbers shift in the coming years!

Be sure and check out Becker’s article for additional details shared for other operator’s growth plans beyond UC.