Objective To grasp the basic situation concerning visits by emergency outpatients to big urban hospitals before the implementation of reform in the medical insurance system in our city. Methods An investigation was made by means of profile survey questionnaires into the form of medical security of emergency outpatients, the sources of patients, referrals of patients, and the evaluation of doctors. Results Current emergency outpatient services in big urban hospitals have the following features: fairly great medical demands and attraction, widespread sources of patients, and pretty strong advantages in comprehensive clinical treatment. At the same time, before the implementation of reform in the basic medical insurance system, existing medical security setups, which are in the stage of transition, are characterized by a variety of types, a pretty narrow coverage in the provision of medical security and a rather high proportion of self-paying patients. Conclusion It is imperative to actively promote reform of the medical insurance system, formulate regional health plans that conform to the situation in our country, and expand the functions of community medical healthcare.