To reduce costs, a number of health organizations like Kaiser-Permanente, Bellin Health, PinnicleHealth, QualMed, and others are teaming with big-box retailers like Target, Safeway, Giant and other big-box retailers to create in-store medical clinics for primary care. The model is web-based where nurses and nurse practitioners staff the in-store location to screen patients. If needed, a physician can be contacted to examine test results and/or perform a video consultation via the Internet.
Grocery store clinics staffed by nurse practitioners offer convenience and cost savings
Retail walk-in clinics treat a variety of non-life-threatening but frequent illnesses and minor injuries. Usually open in the evening and on weekends, they also offer vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, childhood diseases, tetanus and other diseases, physical exams for jobs or team sports and preventive measures such as checking blood sugar.
The HartfordBusiness.com (a subsidary of the Hartford Business Journal) notes that “patients who tap into retail healthcare clinics as opposed to visiting a hospital emergency room might be able to save up to $500 million a year in medical costs.”
Lower costs can be passed down to consumers. Most clinics accept health insurance. For those who pay in cash, a standard visit will cost $78, said spokeswoman Kelly McCall for PinnicleHealth. For example, if someone came to the clinic and it turned out they had strep throat and were given a prescription, the $78 flat fee would cover the cost of the exam and test. Cash as well as checks and credit cards will be accepted.
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