Drugstore Clinics Spread, and Scrutiny Grows

An article in the NY Times describes the trend of low-cost health clinics in drugstores and Wal-Marts, which are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants and treat minor injuries along with illnesses like bronchitis. Patients like that they don't have to wait to be seen, while the American Academy of Family Physicians says these clinics are not the answer to the country's health care problems. According to the article, the Convenient Care Association estimates that 70% of people visiting these types of clinics have health insurance but still use the clinics because of convenience.