Shocking urgent care study: 64% wrong diagnosis Artwork

Patients at Risk

Patients at Risk exposes the political maneuvering and corporate greed that has led to the replacement of physicians by lesser trained practitioners, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. As corporations seek to save money and government agencies aim to increase constituent access, minimum qualifications for our nation’s healthcare guardians continue to decline—with deadly consequences. This is a story that has not yet been told, and one that has dangerous repercussions for all Americans.

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Patients at Risk

Shocking urgent care study: 64% wrong diagnosis

May 16, 2026 • Rebekah Bernard MD and Niran Al-Agba MD • Season 1 • Episode 121

0:00 | 22:56

Most urgent cares are staffed by NPs/PAs, often without physician supervision - can you trust them with your life?

Dr. John Lafferty shares details from a study showing that of 300 referrals from urgent cares to the ER, 55% were unnecessary and 64% resulted in a 'discordant' (different) diagnosis.

"Our data found that 55% of patients referred to EDs from UCCs did not
require ED-specific care or resources and 64% carried a discordant diagnosis between UC and ED diagnosis. We suggest quality remedies, such as educational sessions and engagement with telemedicine sub-specialists as well as a coordinated formalized system for UCC to ED referrals."

Poyorena C, Patel S, Keim A, et al. Evaluating urgent care center referrals to the emergency department. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2022;3(6):e12838. Published 2022 Dec 7. doi:10.1002/emp2.12838

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