Retail Healthcare Alternative to Traditional Doc's office

Okay. I am all for competition in any form. Especially in the exorbitantly expensive medical side.
I am also for efficiency and efficacy - somethings that seems to be laughable concepts in healthcare. So I am delighted to say I am quite pleased to see some competition given by in-store retail health clinics in places like Target, Walmart, now. All the drugstores have a health clinic associated.

Source: Reuters "Health insurers have embraced the concept because the clinics promise considerable savings. While a typical doctor visit for a basic illness costs an insurer about $110, a visit to one of the clinics usually costs under $60. In addition, the clinic services are far cheaper than the emergency room, which is where patients often wind up when they need medical care outside business hours. (A strep throat test at the emergency room can cost over $300.) Some insurers are actively encouraging patients to use the clinics by lowering the co-pay. In Minnesota, companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and Graco Inc., have reduced or eliminated co-pays for employees who opt to use a MinuteClinic instead of a doctor. Take Care has deals in place with several insurers in Portland."

It is very convenient as these clinics are open weekend and evening hours - usually as long as the store pharmacies are open. Additionally no need for advance appointments and wait time is pretty short. Fore example - In Baltimore, at least 4 Targets are also overseen by GBMC Hospital physicians. If there is more required, these clinics give physician referrels..but for the average sore throat, stomach ache, and other preventative/medical primary care needs I really liked it.

Source: Reuters April 12, 2007 "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is forecasting more than 6,600 in-store medical clinics will open their doors in the next five years in retailers nationwide, a company official said on Thursday.

I am really excited as this will give doctors the run for the money and alleviate the primary care shortage. Currently Wal-Mart has only 75 clinics open nationwide but customer appetite is eager for this. Hence more clinics will be rolled out. So here are some sample services. These retailers partner with other organizations to get there services below:

Sample Services

Diagnostic Tests

• Albumin
• Blood type
• BUN
• Calcium
• CBC
• Cholesterol Profiles
• CMP
• Creatinine
• Diabetic blood tests
• Drug Screens (Urine)
• H. Pylori
• Hemoglobin A1C
• HIV
• Liver Profile
• Lyme Disease Titer
• Potassium (Serum)
• PSA
• Pregnancy test (Serum)
• Pregnancy tests (Urine)
• Sodium (Serum)
• TSH

Immunizations & Vaccinations

• Flu Vaccine
• Pneumonia
• Tetanus/Diphtheria
• Hepatitis B

Physicals

• School/College Sports
• DOT Physicals
• Sports/Camp Physicals

Illness & Disease Management

• Acne
• Athletes Foot
• Allergies
• Bladder Infection
• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dysuria (Painful Urination)
• Ear Pain
• Flu
• Insomnia
• Jock Itch
• Laryngitis
• Mono
• Nail Fungus
• Nausea
• Pink Eye
• Skin Rashes
• Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
• Sore Throat (Strep)
• Styes and Chalazia
• Warts

Prevention

• Depression Screening
• Nutritional Counseling
• Memory Loss Screening
• Sleep Hygiene
• Smoking Cessation
• Weight Loss / Weight Management

Service Providers/Retailers:

MinuteClinic / Target

InterFit Health / Walmart

MinuteClinic /CVS

Take Care / Walgreens