This article brings up some interesting statistics on the retail clinics, 2/3 do not have a relationship with a primary MD, which was initially one of the big fears when the stores began popping up, and they are becoming an affordable place for those who do not have insurance versus clogging up the ER rooms for cases of runny noses, sore throats, etc. As the article states, if folks were not taking up the time of the primary MD, would there be more time to treat those with chronic diseases? That I think remains to be seen as those with a primary care relationship will continue I would think as there is a level of trust and communication already established, and that's what I feel that I would do myself given a choice, but the retail clinics are finding their place in healthcare and thus far it has not been an issue and offers quick assistance for those without a primary MD to receive care. BD
Retail clinic patients are more likely to be female, on the young side (between 18 and 44), and uninsured than patients who visit either primary care physicians' offices or emergency departments, the study found. It's interesting that a third of retail clinic patients apparently don't have health insurance, compared with a quarter of ER patients and 10 percent of those who visit a primary care physician. With roughly 45 million uninsured, retail clinics may be attracting people who otherwise would end up clogging emergency rooms with non-emergency problems.
Who Gets Medical Care at the Grocery Store? - On Health and Money (usnews.com)
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