Health systems are expanding neighborhood clinics that offer same-day appointments for common conditions, aiming to reduce emergency room crowding and improve access for patients who cannot wait weeks for care.

Clinicians said the approach works best when clinics can order basic labs and imaging quickly and coordinate follow-up with primary care. Some systems are pairing clinics with telehealth triage to route cases efficiently.

Policy experts said the model can lower costs if it prevents avoidable ER visits, but warned that staffing remains a challenge in many regions.