Quick-service clinics gaining acceptance

Medical clinics inside pharmacies and supermarkets are gaining popularity as more insurers are agreeing fo provide compensation for such services (Source: “Insurers warming to in-store clinics," Business First of Columbus, Oct. 24, 2008).

Consumers have indicated a preference for accessing routine services in these convenient locations.

According to the journal Health Affairs, the number of store clinics could increase to 6,000 by the year 2011 (Source: "Retail Clinics, Primary Care Physicians, And Emergency Departments: A Comparison Of Patients’ Visits," Health Affairs, Sept/Oct 2008).

The majority of visits to retail clinics are for the treatment of issues such as sinusitis and immunizations, the report says. Further, these clinics are largely serving patients who are not being served by primary care physicians.

The clinics are typically staffed by professionals who can write prescriptions if supervised by a doctor, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants.