Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) are geographic regions that lack adequate access to primary healthcare services, as defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). With many rural hospitals facing closure, the number of MUAs is expected to increase. But do these areas have the potential to support a successful Urgent Care center?

Currently, 2,666 U.S. counties (in whole or in part) are designated as MUAs. HRSA uses the Index of Medical Underservice (IMU) to score these areas on a scale from 0 to 100, with scores below 62 qualifying for MUA status.

Download the following Excel file to view a list of counties with IMU scores under 62—including population, number of hospitals, and Urgent Care centers— DOWNLOAD.

This data can serve as a starting point in evaluating potential markets. However, multiple factors should be considered before selecting a location for an Urgent Care center (not exhaustive):

• Population Size: Aim for areas with a population of at least 20,000 to ensure a sustainable patient base.
• Age Demographics: Markets with younger families often drive higher Urgent Care usage, while those aged 55+ tend to use these UCs less frequently.
• Insurance Coverage: Understand the area’s insurance mix. If your center doesn’t accept Medicaid, closely examine the percentage of Medicaid-insured residents.
• Visibility & Access: Choose locations with high visibility, good traffic flow, and plenty of parking.

Careful site selection is essential to the long-term success of any Urgent Care operation. The best locations will offer access to a strong patient base and a reliable pool of healthcare talent.