Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) in BC — Guide

A complete guide to Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) in British Columbia — what they are, how they work, what they treat, MSP coverage, and how to find one near you.

Urgent and Primary Care Centres — commonly known as UPCCs — are one of the most significant additions to British Columbia's healthcare system in recent years. Designed to fill the gap between walk-in clinics and emergency departments, UPCCs provide same-day care for urgent health concerns while also serving as a potential gateway to ongoing primary care for patients without a family doctor. This guide explains everything you need to know about UPCCs in BC. What Is a UPCC? A UPCC is a healthcare facility that provides same-day medical care for urgent but non-life-threatening health conditions. UPCCs are part of the BC government's primary care strategy, launched to address two critical problems: overcrowded emergency departments and the growing number of British Columbians without access to primary care. Unlike a traditional walk-in clinic, which is typically a single-physician office providing episodic care, a UPCC is staffed by a full interdisciplinary team. This team usually includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, and sometimes pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals. UPCCs serve two main functions. First, they provide urgent care: same-day medical attention for conditions that need prompt treatment but are not emergencies. Second, they provide a pathway to primary care attachment: for patients without a family doctor, the UPCC team can help connect them with a regular primary care provider within the local primary care network. What Conditions Do UPCCs Treat? UPCCs handle a wide range of urgent health concerns. These include infections such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections, minor injuries including sprains, strains, cuts requiring stitches, and minor fractures, asthma and COPD flare-ups, abdominal pain that is not an emergency, mental health crises that do not require emergency psychiatric care, dehydration and severe nausea or vomiting, severe headaches or migraines, allergic reactions that are not life-threatening, and worsening chronic disease symptoms that need prompt attention. The key distinction is urgency. If your condition needs attention today but is not life-threatening, a UPCC is likely the right choice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency — chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness — call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. How UPCCs Differ from Walk-In Clinics While both UPCCs and walk-in clinics provide same-day care without a pre-booked appointment, there are important differences. Team-based care: Walk-in clinics are typically staffed by one or two physicians working independently. UPCCs have full interdisciplinary teams, which means you may see a nurse practitioner, a social worker, or another specialist during your visit depending on your needs. Scope of services: UPCCs can handle more complex urgent conditions than most walk-in clinics. Their teams can provide mental health crisis support, wound care and suturing, and other services that many walk-in clinics are not equipped for. Primary care attachment: Walk-in clinics generally do not facilitate ongoing attachment to a primary care provider. UPCCs are designed to connect unattached patients with a regular doctor or nurse practitioner through the local primary care network. Extended hours: Many UPCCs operate with extended hours compared to traditional walk-in clinics, including evenings and weekends. How UPCCs Differ from Emergency Departments Emergency departments (ERs) are designed for the most severe, life-threatening conditions. They are equipped with trauma teams, surgical suites, and intensive care. ER wait times can be very long for non-urgent conditions because patients are triaged by severity — the sickest patients are seen first. UPCCs handle conditions that are urgent but not emergencies. Wait times at UPCCs are typically much shorter than at ERs. By diverting appropriate cases away from the ER, UPCCs help reduce overcrowding in emergency departments and ensure that ER resources are available for true emergencies. MSP Coverage All UPCC services are covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP). If you have a valid BC Services Card, there is no out-of-pocket cost for your visit. You do not need a referral to visit a UPCC — you can walk in. Where Are UPCCs Located? BC has over 50 UPCCs operating across the province, with locations in all five health authorities: Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, Interior Health, Island Health, and Northern Health. Major cities with UPCCs include Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, and many other communities. The BC government continues to open new UPCCs as part of its primary care expansion. To find UPCCs near you, search Find a Doctor BC at mydoctorbc.ca. You can also contact your local health authority or call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) for UPCC locations and hours. How UPCCs Help You Find a Family Doctor One of the most valuable aspects of UPCCs is their role in primary care attachment. When you visit a UPCC and tell the care team that you do not have a family doctor, the team can refer you into the local primary care network. This network connects patients with family doctors and nurse practitioners who are accepting patients. This attachment function is one of the most underused benefits of UPCCs. If you are currently unattached, visiting a UPCC — even for a minor concern — gives you an opportunity to be linked with a regular provider. You should also register with the Health Connect Registry by calling 8-1-1 or visiting healthlinkbc.ca and search for providers on mydoctorbc.ca. Using all three approaches simultaneously gives you the best chance of finding a family doctor. Tips for Visiting a UPCC Bring your BC Services Card. If you do not have one yet, bring photo identification. Arrive during operating hours. Check hours in advance, as they vary by location. Many UPCCs open early and close in the evening. Be prepared to describe your symptoms clearly and concisely. The initial assessment will determine whether the UPCC is the right setting for your concern. If you do not have a family doctor, mention it to the care team. Ask about the attachment process. If you are sent for blood work or imaging, ask how you will receive results. UPCCs typically follow up directly or connect you with a primary care provider for follow-up. Bring a list of your current medications and any relevant medical history. Helpful Resources Find a Doctor BC — find UPCCs and clinics near you: mydoctorbc.ca HealthLink BC — Health Connect Registry and 24/7 nurse line: healthlinkbc.ca or call 8-1-1 College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC: cpsbc.ca Divisions of Family Practice — local primary care information: divisionsbc.ca Government of BC Health — UPCC locations and provincial health programs: gov.bc.ca/health Your Next Step If you need same-day urgent care, find a UPCC near you on mydoctorbc.ca or by calling 8-1-1. If you do not have a family doctor, tell the UPCC team and ask about primary care attachment. Register with Health Connect Registry and search mydoctorbc.ca for family doctors and nurse practitioners accepting patients. UPCCs are one of BC's best tools for bridging the gap between urgent care and ongoing primary care.

Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) in BC — Guide

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