Developing “SYMBIOTIC” Relationships With Urgent Care Centers: Improving the Referral Process Through Preparedness and Quality Improvement Initiatives

Because of the widespread availability of urgent care centers (UCCs) and the non-emergent nature of many illnesses and injuries occurring in students who attend school, referrals to UCCs may be an option in the management of students without a primary care provider and with certain health insurance providers. Optimizing the care of these students involves several steps for the school nurse: (a) becoming familiar with the capabilities of the UCC in your community, and (b) establishing a collaborative relationship between the school and UCC through closed-loop communication and quality improvement initiatives.