Consumer awareness, perceptions, and knowledge of immediate healthcare centers: a study of two immediate care centers

Free-standing immediate healthcare centers are the newest entry in the healthcare industry in the United States. Consumer awareness of this type of facility as an alternative to private physicians and hospital emergency rooms is relatively high. Consumer knowledge regarding the types of health services provided by these healthcare centers is appreciable. In addition, consumer perceptions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of immediate care centers in general is quite accurate.