Editorial: Don’t mess with urgent care centers

Friday, July 20, 2001 | 4:36 a.m.

Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates wants a moratorium imposed on University Medical Center's plans to build more Quick Cares, the drop-in medical offices operated by the county hospital. Gates said about six doctors have told her that the government-run Quick Cares put them at a financial disadvantage. But so far there is no real evidence to support assertions that the county-run medical centers are taking patients away from private-practice physicians. In fact, doctors' offices here typically are overflowing with patients.

Gates also says she's worried about the viability of the county's Quick Cares, especially if too many are opened in rapid succession. In light of the county's incredible population explosion -- and the fact that Quick Cares typically are busy throughout the day -- that concern doesn't seem to be meshing with reality.

Quick Cares are popular because patients don't need an appointment. Not all physicians in private practice will see patients immediately, which is frustrating for someone who can't wait several days or a week to see a doctor. Equally important, Quick Cares are open on the weekends, unlike their counterparts in the private sector. The county's urgent care centers also serve a vital role in the health system in helping ensure that everyone has access to medical care -- even if they lack money.

Rather than a moratorium, the commissioners might well be urging that more Quick Cares be built in the many fast-growing neighborhoods of the valley that don't have them yet. The County Commission should remember the Hippocratic Oath as it considers Gates' request: First, do no harm. The commissioners should be careful not to spoil a good thing.