Innovation in healthcare is good. These clinics don’t compete on price but instead on availability. If we do free up providers we might see the same competition on price.
Many retail clinics typically rely on part-time residents and fellows who are licensed and salaried at their institution but not finished their post-graduate training. These are very competent hard-working physicians.
They’re typically paid ~$20+/hr, provided RNs and supporting staff, have well-stocked facilities and malpractice coverage provided in exchange for very flexible hours to accommodate their residency/fellow schedule/having a baby etc. The better opportunities pay additional monies based on a percentage of performed procedures. ER and surgical fellows get much better reimbursement. The docs who run these retail clinics skim a substantial revenue for themselves off the top.
Some participating docs plan on setting up practice in the same area as the retail clinics and establish a patient following to seed their practices when they’ve completed their training. The only real down side is that patients rarely get a physician to follow them consistently for any length of time. But the patients who are attracted to this model, generally understand that and it’s not as important to them as the other conveniences and affordability.
It’s been this way for decades. For many of us, it worked well for ourselves and all other parties. Retail clinic expansion is to be expected with longer training requirements, the need to get on with starting a family, many more medical student relying on significant loans and a very weak economy.
To answer your question, a retail clinic is any setting, usually located in grocery stores, pharmacies, and places of that nature, that offer easy-to-access services to treat common illnesses, you can also obtain basic physicals, and they usually employ nurses and doctors’ assistants to provide care.
Interestingly, it also said that patients are more likely to be 65 or older than in the past.
it’s no wonder why this is the case. they are cheaper, more efficient and conveniently located with more accessible hours.
This is an interesting chart. Thanks Dr. Goodman for sharing this.
I love the idea of having these emrgency clinics.
What classifies as a ‘retail’ clinic?
Innovation in healthcare is good. These clinics don’t compete on price but instead on availability. If we do free up providers we might see the same competition on price.
Many retail clinics typically rely on part-time residents and fellows who are licensed and salaried at their institution but not finished their post-graduate training. These are very competent hard-working physicians.
They’re typically paid ~$20+/hr, provided RNs and supporting staff, have well-stocked facilities and malpractice coverage provided in exchange for very flexible hours to accommodate their residency/fellow schedule/having a baby etc. The better opportunities pay additional monies based on a percentage of performed procedures. ER and surgical fellows get much better reimbursement. The docs who run these retail clinics skim a substantial revenue for themselves off the top.
Some participating docs plan on setting up practice in the same area as the retail clinics and establish a patient following to seed their practices when they’ve completed their training. The only real down side is that patients rarely get a physician to follow them consistently for any length of time. But the patients who are attracted to this model, generally understand that and it’s not as important to them as the other conveniences and affordability.
It’s been this way for decades. For many of us, it worked well for ourselves and all other parties. Retail clinic expansion is to be expected with longer training requirements, the need to get on with starting a family, many more medical student relying on significant loans and a very weak economy.
Dorothy Calabrese MD, San Clemente CA
Good deal! I was one of the recent “non-vaccine” visits during cold and flu season! I went during lunch and was back to work soon after.
Excellent graphic! Very interesting. As their popularity increases each year, it’s clear they must be doing something right.
@ Robert,
To answer your question, a retail clinic is any setting, usually located in grocery stores, pharmacies, and places of that nature, that offer easy-to-access services to treat common illnesses, you can also obtain basic physicals, and they usually employ nurses and doctors’ assistants to provide care.
Great news! Makes me believe there’s hope for improvement.