Delayed care and busy schedules drive demand for fast, flexible urgent care in Connecticut 

In Connecticut, many residents put off seeking medical care until the last minute—a pattern shaped by busy schedules and everyday demands. When they do seek care, they prioritize options that are fast, flexible, and connected to a health system, according to the Urgent Care Pulse Check survey. 

The Urgent Care Pulse Check Survey was commissioned by Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care and conducted by Wakefield Research.  

Speed and Scheduling Flexibility Makes Urgent Care Appealing  

According to the survey, 9 in 10 households in the Hartford-New Haven area have visited an urgent care center, including 68% in the past year. Many say they prefer urgent care over other healthcare options for treatment of cold or flu symptoms (42%), minor infections (39%), pain (31%), or injuries to joints or bones (30%). 

More than half (58%) say they put off seeking medical care as long as possible, often waiting until care becomes unavoidable. In those moments, speed and flexibility matter most, which helps explain why urgent care is a preferred option across the region.  

Respondents consistently point to convenience as the top reason they choose urgent care: 

• 67% cite the ability to be seen quickly 
• 61% value convenient hours, such as evenings or weekends 
• 58% cite convenient locations 
• 51% value being able to just walk-in for care

Connecticut residents appear confident that care will be available when they need it. When deciding where to live, only 14% report that proximity to medical care was a primary factor in their decision. Still, nearly one-third (32%) say that having a new urgent care center close to home makes them more likely to use it over other care options in the coming year.   

Hospital Affiliation Adds Reassurance 

While convenience factors matter, most Connecticut residents (58%) also prefer hospital-affiliated urgent care. Among the top reasons cited: 

• 51% value access to more advanced tests and treatment if needed 
• 50% cite a seamless connection to specialists 

This preference indicates that residents look for more than just immediate treatment. They also want coordinated care options should their condition require additional care. 

Lifestyle Patterns Influence Health Needs 

The region’s top three most reported ailments are: 

• Cold or flu symptoms (58%) 
• Seasonal allergies (38%) 
• Ear infections or ear pain (24%) 

These common health concerns may be a result of the local lifestyle. Many Connecticut residents report enjoying active daily lives, including exercise, time spent outdoors, and on the town enjoying cultural amenities: 

• 43% participate in individual exercise, such as running, biking, or weightlifting 
• 40% spend time outdoors hiking, camping, or barbecuing 
• 38% attend festivals, concerts, or sporting events 
• 37% enjoy the local dining scene 

In Connecticut, while many people may delay seeking treatment, when they decide it’s time to get care, they look for healthcare options that are fast, flexible, and connected to a broader system of care—which is frequently at an urgent care center.