Written by: Lawrence Buirse
Making the right call between urgent care and occupational health requires understanding both care options before pairing one with a company’s workforce health program needs and objectives.
At a bustling factory, an employee is working briskly and suddenly feels a twinge in their lower back. Thinking they just didn’t bend properly, they take a break to stretch and resume work. But the employee’s back pain worsens, making it hard to stand up straight. After reporting the issue to a supervisor, the decision is made to seek medical care. Now, another major decision looms. Does the supervisor send the employee to an urgent care center for a quick evaluation or opt for the specialized expertise of an occupational health provider for a more detailed assessment based on the employee’s specific job duties?
When choosing the more suitable option between urgent care and occupational health, the decision can be daunting. This decision could not only impact the employee’s recovery and overall well-being; it could also set a precedent for future return-to-work (RTW) evaluations and have a profound effect on everything from workforce productivity to the company’s bottom line. So, how do business leaders decide which care option is more appropriate?
Before considering, let’s make one thing clear: urgent care and occupational health are not the same. While some service capabilities may overlap, one care option is viewed as a more convenient, cost-effective alternative for minor care (versus an emergency department). The other is a medical specialty focused on providing a wide spectrum of workforce health, safety, and wellness solutions. Let’s explore each health care option and some primary services and benefits.
Urgent care
Urgent care centers are designed to provide prompt medical treatment for nonfatal injuries and illnesses. These facilities are equipped to handle a variety of medical issues that require attention but are not severe enough to warrant an emergency department visit.1 Urgent care centers are often local fixtures in cities and nearby towns, making them a familiar care alternative to hospital emergency departments and physician offices.
Typical services:
- Treatment for minor conditions (e.g., sprain, allergic reaction)
- Management of common illnesses (e.g., flu)
- Medical testing (e.g., urinalysis)
Benefits for employers:
- Quick access to medical care for employees
- Extended hours, including evenings and weekends
- Reduced wait times compared to emergency departments
- Cost-effective care alternative for noncritical health issues
- Walk-ins accepted
An urgent care provider will focus primarily on treating a patient for the initial medical visit. If a patient requires additional care, the urgent care provider may refer them to a specialist or recommend that they follow up with their primary care physician.
Occupational health
Occupational medicine — commonly referred to as occupational health — focuses on the prevention, treatment, and management of occupational and environmental conditions.2 This medical specialty promotes workplace safety and employee health across all occupations and industries.
Typical services:
- Prompt injury care and management
- Pre-employment physicals and screenings
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Health and wellness programs
- Regulatory compliance services
Benefits for employers:
- Faster RTW for reduced injury case duration
- Comprehensive medical baseline assessment (for deeper understanding if there is injury progression)
- Specialized care for work-related health issues
- Reduced workers’ compensation claims costs
- Walk-ins accepted (appointments required for some services)
An occupational health provider can go beyond treating initial injuries, providing a continuum of care with the patient and employer to minimize the progression or worsening of an injury and minimize the risk of reinjury. They can also communicate with employers and payors on care status to avoid treatment delays and facilitate efficient workers’ compensation case management.
Key differences
Understanding the key differences between urgent care and occupational health services can help employers choose the right option for their needs.
Focus and specialization:
- Urgent care: General medical care for conditions not considered life-threatening
- Occupational health: Specialized care for workers’ compensation injuries with a focus on prevention and compliance
Types of services:
- Urgent care: Immediate treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, diagnostic services, and vaccinations
- Occupational health: Prompt injury care, pre-employment screenings, drug testing, worksite health and wellness programs, and coordinated physical therapy
Regulatory compliance and recordkeeping:
- Urgent care: Limited focus on regulatory compliance and recordkeeping
- Occupational health: Extensive knowledge of regulatory standards set by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) to support workplace compliance
Cost and insurance considerations:
- Urgent care: Generally more affordable than emergency department visits, with various insurance plans accepted
- Occupational health: Visit costs are consistent with urgent care; in-house services help reduce the need for outside referrals, streamline care, and control medical costs
Assessing care appropriateness
Spelling out some key differences between urgent care and occupational health can help employers make more informed decisions about which care option is appropriate according to the nature of the employee’s medical condition or the company’s workforce health needs. The following scenarios may offer employers more clarity during the selection process.
Scenarios for urgent care:
- A minor condition requires prompt treatment but not emergency medical care.
- Other care providers are distantly located or closed.
- An employee's health issue is not work-related.
Scenarios for occupational health:
- An employee needs to be evaluated following a work injury.
- A new hire must complete a drug and alcohol test.
- A firefighter must complete a physical exam for job safety.
- An employee requests reasonable accommodations.
Decision-making tips for employers
Choosing the appropriate care option involves several important considerations:
- Assess the nature of the medical issue. For work-related injuries or health concerns, an occupational health provider could be more appropriate due to its specialized focus and knowledge of workforce regulatory compliance.
- Consider the urgency and severity of the condition. If immediate care is necessary for a work-related health concern, occupational health might be the better option. Life-threatening conditions should be referred immediately to emergency medical services.
- Evaluate the benefits of specialized care and regulatory compliance. For help identifying and mitigating workplace injury risks and adhering to health and safety regulations, occupational health providers are the better option.
- Factor in cost and long-term savings. Occupational health services are typically covered by workers’ compensation insurance, while some urgent care visits may require patients (i.e., employees) to pay out-of-pocket expenses. Urgent care can address some acute conditions, but occupational health services can include treatment and management of an injury, avoiding unnecessary referrals to specialty care and offering solutions to avoid injury recurrence.
By carefully weighing these considerations, employers can make decisions that best support their business and employees’ health and well-being.
Concentra specializes in workforce health
Concentra has the unique distinction of being both an urgent care and occupational health provider; however, Concentra was founded on its commitment to workforce health. Concentra offers occupational health solutions that allow company decision-makers to choose a care option that balances efficiency with thoroughness. Its scope of services includes:
Concentra’s broad range of health care services extends well beyond injury care management and employment physicals, allowing employers to request services that are specific to their company and/or industry.
Most urgent care centers lack the knowledgeable staff and resources necessary to address workplace-specific health matters comprehensively. Each Concentra medical center is staffed by clinicians with occupational health training. And unlike most urgent care centers, Concentra can conveniently deliver some workforce health services to a company’s worksite, such as onsite flu vaccination events. A comparison chart outlines some commonly requested employer services and key service features Concentra offers versus the typical urgent care provider.
Whether employees work primarily in an outdoor environment or an office setting, all employers must invest in the health, safety, and well-being of their workforces. Partnering with an occupational health provider is a promising step in that effort. Schedule a free consultation to discuss Concentra’s occupational health services or contact a nearby Concentra medical center.
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Sources:
- What Is Urgent Care Medicine? (n.d.). American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine.
- Occupational Health. (2019, September 17). World Health Organization.
Published: Feb. 18, 2025
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