May 2007
Retail health clinics: Should you walk in or walk on by?
MEDICAL CARE EVERYWHERE Walk-in clinics are in more and more stores. They’re convenient and inexpensive but not always the right choice.
It’s Saturday afternoon, and you think you have bronchitis. Should you wait until your doctor’s office opens on Monday or
head to the nearest Wal-Mart, where you can get tested, treated, and have a prescription filled all in about 15 minutes--and
all for about $60 or an insurance co-pay?
About 300 drop-in medical clinics are now operating in big-box stores, supermarkets, and drugstores nationwide, with another 300 or so slated to open by year’s end. With slogans such as “You’re Sick. We’re Quick,” they treat a fairly limited roster of common ailments, require no appointment, charge affordable prices, and are open when the only other option might be an emergency room. Since they’re typically in stores with pharmacies, you can fill any prescription on your way out. About half of the clinics take some insurance.
The clinics are staffed mainly by physician assistants and nurse practitioners--registered nurses who have additional education and, like doctors, can order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe drugs. If you show up with a problem too serious for a clinic to handle, such as a broken bone, you’ll be sent to your primary-care doctor or the hospital.
At the largest chains, including RediClinic, MinuteClinic, and Take Care Health Systems, collectively operating in 21 states, prices start at $59 for basic problems such as ear infections, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, and sinus infections. A bladder infection or strep throat test might run $69.
Not all of the response has been positive. Last year the American Academy of Pediatrics opposed the use of retail clinics for children and adolescents. Among the concerns: Pediatricians use even minor visits to address family issues and to check on immunizations, among other things.
What you can do
About 300 drop-in medical clinics are now operating in big-box stores, supermarkets, and drugstores nationwide, with another 300 or so slated to open by year’s end. With slogans such as “You’re Sick. We’re Quick,” they treat a fairly limited roster of common ailments, require no appointment, charge affordable prices, and are open when the only other option might be an emergency room. Since they’re typically in stores with pharmacies, you can fill any prescription on your way out. About half of the clinics take some insurance.
The clinics are staffed mainly by physician assistants and nurse practitioners--registered nurses who have additional education and, like doctors, can order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe drugs. If you show up with a problem too serious for a clinic to handle, such as a broken bone, you’ll be sent to your primary-care doctor or the hospital.
At the largest chains, including RediClinic, MinuteClinic, and Take Care Health Systems, collectively operating in 21 states, prices start at $59 for basic problems such as ear infections, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, and sinus infections. A bladder infection or strep throat test might run $69.
Not all of the response has been positive. Last year the American Academy of Pediatrics opposed the use of retail clinics for children and adolescents. Among the concerns: Pediatricians use even minor visits to address family issues and to check on immunizations, among other things.
What you can do
- Consider visiting a retail clinic for non-emergency matters if you’re in a pinch.
- Inform the clinician about all of your medical problems, medication, allergies or adverse drug reactions.
- Get a report with your diagnosis and any follow-up instructions, and make sure your primary-care doctor receives a copy.
- Don’t rely on an in-store clinic for ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
