September 15, 2008

Retail Clinics: Hate ‘em - Part 2 of 2

Retail health clinics keep popping up in nearby pharmacies, retail giants, and grocery stores, changing how we think about a trip to the doctor. But is change always good? While they have many advantages to the access model of the past, many questions remain to be answered to continue success.

Physicians: One of the unique features in healthcare has always been the strength of the patient-doctor relationship. So, as the industry becomes more business-like, so too will the connection to patients, especially for younger generations.

Nurses: Retail clinics tend to use nurse-practitioners instead of physicians to treat patients, adding to the already-pressing nursing shortage.

Patients: Businesspeople will tell you that faster and easier doesn’t always mean better. More affordable may walk hand-in-hand with lower quality care, meaning patients need to be even more healthcare savvy to make sure they are being properly treated.

Big Providers: As consumers get used to seeing prices and payment up-front in retail clinics, they will probably start asking the same of their regular doctor or hospital. But it is not as easy for these institutions to restructure payment, billing, and insurance paperwork, which may create frustration for both parties.

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