Banner Health officially completed the acquisition of Urgent Care Extra’s 32 existing Arizona locations Tuesday, and is in the process of re-branding these centers to reflect the new ownership. The new Banner Urgent Care facilities are located in the greater Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas.

As part of this acquisition, more than 400 Urgent Care Extra employees have joined Banner, Arizona’s largest private employer with more than 40,000 employees in the state. This includes physicians, advance practice providers, medical assistants and administrative staff.

Banner Urgent Care will help meet the consumer demand for affordable and convenient access to outpatient care. Patients can receive high-quality care for unexpected, non-life threatening conditions such as cold and flu; ear, eye and throat infections; fevers; skin rashes; and sprains, strains and lacerations. Should a higher level of care be required, the patient can be referred to a comprehensive list of Banner medical services throughout Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties. Additionally, those with interest can be connected to a Banner-affiliated primary care provider.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer this level of care to the Phoenix and Tucson communities,” said Joan Thiel, Banner Health vice president of Ambulatory and Physician Services. “We anticipate serving thousands of people every year through Banner Urgent Care, providing them with the comprehensive services and support they have come to expect.”

Universally, urgent care services receive high ratings for customer satisfaction because they can provide faster and more cost-effective care for minor illness and injuries than a traditional emergency room which treats more serious conditions that may require hospitalization.

According to the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine, there are approximately 9,300 walk-in, stand-alone urgent care centers in the United States. Additionally, it is estimated that between 50 and 100 new clinics open every year. While open for care during business hours, urgent care centers are especially convenient to consumers after-hours and on weekends.

Currently, there are 32 Banner Urgent Care Centers in Arizona. By the end of 2017, it’s estimated that there will be as many as 50 in the state.