Convenient care clinics in retail settings are on a sharp incline, as there are currently 1,250 compared to 175 in 2006, according to a USA Today report.
Two-thirds of these clinics are in drug stores, while the rest are in retail settings like Wal-Marts, Target stores and other supermarket chains. More insured patients are visiting these facilities, citing the convenience of the clinics compared to waiting for an appointment with their primary care physician. Uninsured are also drawn to the clinics as a less costly alternative to hospital emergency departments or urgent care facilities, according to the report.
Minute Clinic is the largest retail clinic in the country, with 600 clinics in CVS stores in 24 states, according to the report. Minute Clinic added 45 clinics this year alone. Clinics are typically staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Some experts say the rapid proliferation of these clinics should act as a wake-up call for primary care physicians and their appointment process. A family nurse practitioner cited in the report said primary care physicians need to make it possible for patients to get in sooner than six weeks.
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Two-thirds of these clinics are in drug stores, while the rest are in retail settings like Wal-Marts, Target stores and other supermarket chains. More insured patients are visiting these facilities, citing the convenience of the clinics compared to waiting for an appointment with their primary care physician. Uninsured are also drawn to the clinics as a less costly alternative to hospital emergency departments or urgent care facilities, according to the report.
Minute Clinic is the largest retail clinic in the country, with 600 clinics in CVS stores in 24 states, according to the report. Minute Clinic added 45 clinics this year alone. Clinics are typically staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Some experts say the rapid proliferation of these clinics should act as a wake-up call for primary care physicians and their appointment process. A family nurse practitioner cited in the report said primary care physicians need to make it possible for patients to get in sooner than six weeks.
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Big Pain or Big Gain? Important Factors for Hospitals Considering Partnerships With Retail ClinicsCleveland Clinic Florida, OhioHealth Enter Into Clinical Affiliations With CVS' MinuteClinic
Walgreens, Florida's Memorial Health Form Collaboration