Convenient Healthcare Increasingly Available in Retail Settings
Retail health clinics are cropping up around the United States. A new paradigm to treat minor illnesses entails small clinics housed in drug or grocery stores, as well as large retail chains like Target and Wal-Mart. As of January 2006, approximately 60 retail clinics had opened around the U.S. The number has now risen to over 300.
Generally staffed with Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, the clinics offer efficient services, convenient hours including evenings and weekends, and competitive pricing. These clinics offer a solutions for consumers with cost concerns or no health insurance. They also can be used to address minor emergencies, which may require a lengthy wait in the emergency room.
Take Care Health Systems, Inc. based outside of Philadelphia implemented a number of clinics in cities primarily through the Midwest; including Kansas City, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Plans are underway to open clinics in Milwaukee. They plan to have over 200 clinics open at the end of 2007.
Some clinicians are concerned about the ability of these clinics to offer high quality care. Oversight teams for corporations running the clinics insist that adequate staff with the appropriate training and expertise are on site. The American Academy of Family Practice released qualifications suggested to govern retail health clinics, in the interest of protecting patient safety.
See local reporting from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
March 13, 2007 Related topics: Facilities, Trends, Emergency