Emergicenters. Opportunity or threat?

Political, social, and economic pressures on the healthcare industry are resulting in the development of new approaches to the delivery of quality health care to consumers. One of the newest responses to these change forces has been the development and proliferation of freestanding emergency centers. This article examines the underlying causes behind their development, describes the distinct services and strengths of the "emergicenter" concept, and shows how medical group practices can turn a potential competitive threat into an opportunity for future growth.