There are an estimated 4,500 urgent care facilities throughout the U.S, visited by more than 156 million adults and children each year.
The centers are seen as convenient - many of them are located in the suburbs - and less costly than an emergency department co-payment.
On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement outlining its recommendations for urgent care facilities and how they should be used by patients.
Click on the audio link above to hear an interview Dr. Elizabeth Murray of the pediatric emergency department at Strong Hospital, as she explains the policy.