The 411 on Retail-Based Clinics
Learn about these walk-in health clinics in stores.
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Have You Been to a Health Clinic? - With retail-based clinics (RBCs) in the news lately, we wanted to break down what these health clinics are, what they treat and their pros and cons. —Kellee Terrell (@kelleent) (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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What Are RBCs? - Also called “convenient care clinics," retail-based clinics are health clinics that are found in drug stores, grocery stores and pharmacies such as Target, Kroger, Walmart, Duane Reed and CVS. It’s estimated that there are 1,400 RBCs around the country. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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What Services Do They Offer? - RBCs offer services for minor health issues that a doctor would such as the flu, sinus infections, pinkeye, sore throat, head lice, ringworms, warts, bronchitis, ear infections, migraines, sprains, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, allergies to name a few. RBCs also provide preventative care, vaccinations, health screenings and physical exams. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Who Works at RBCs? - Most RBCs are staffed with nurse practitioners and physician assistants, yet some are staffed with licensed doctors. Depending on the clinic, a physical therapist may be there too as well to help patients.(Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Why Do These Clinics Exist? - With 40 million people lacking health care, RBCs are good for those who don’t have health care and/or who cannot afford costly ER visits for a minor health issue. Because RBCs services on average cost between $40-$70, the lower price can help low-income Americans. Also, RBCs are good for those with insurance, but don’t want to wait for a doctor’s appointment. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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The Pros - Even with Obamacare helping to close the uninsured gap, RBCs serve as an extra source of health care for the uninsured, which is great thing. Not to mention, surveys show that patients are satisfied with the care they are getting at RBCs. Also, advocates believe that RBCs can also help link people to long-term health care down the road. (Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post)
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The Cons - Some in the medical community, including the American Association of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, fear that people will use RBCs as their primary care and that’s a problem because these clinics are not staffed with certified doctors. Also, the quality of care is not as high as it would be in a hospital setting. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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