A sort of competitor of an emergency department, but presumably for less “emergent” problems. The term has no legal (or regulatory) definition as yet. Sometimes it is stated that a facility, to be called an “urgent care center,” must have certain laboratory and X-ray services, but must not hold itself out as ready for emergencies such as those brought by ambulance or to provide continuity of care. An urgent care center may be free-standing or a part of another facility.