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Sick Flocking to In-Store Clinics
Jen Krasco, nurse practitioner at a CVS MinuteClinic in Medford, posted a sign about flu shot availability. (Globe Staff Photo / Mark Wilson)
Liz Kowalczyk / Boston Globe
March 12, 2009
Carolyn Castel a spokeswoman for CVS, said she could not comment on the complaint to the health department because it is under investigation. As for antibiotic overuse, she said MinuteClinic nurse practitioners follow a strict protocol of best practices, so that overall variation is probably less than in other healthcare settings.
Retail healthcare could expand in the state. MinuteClinic is negotiating with the state to get reimbursed for treating low-income Medicaid patients. And Walgreens has applications pending for 17 retail clinics, although a spokesman said last week that the timing is undetermined.
Charland said that to be ultimately successful, clinics must make money during the non-winter months, because much of the services they provide are related to colds and the flu. The other wildcard is whether doctors will adapt to win back some of this business by expanding hours.
“Patients are best served when they have a place they can get primary care in a coordinated way, rather than care that is spotty and episodic,” said Dr. Bruce Auerbach, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, which represents the state’s physicians. But, he said, “we need to respond to our society and their demand for access at times that work for them.”
© YellowBrix 2009
flynn126
8 months ago
18 comments
Docs need to get real!! Docs act as if all people can afford and/or get quick appointments. My primary care physicians (PCP) routinely take 2-4 weeks for appointments. I could be dead before seeing my PCP. These clinics fill a void and often are the only access to health care for many. Also, often my doctor really doesn't know who I am anyway - so how different are these store front clinics. And, as far as antibiotics are concerned, I've actually, had to talk some of my PCP's out of prescribing them ( I have a chronic allergy in one of my ears - docs often mistake it for an ear infection - so I say "do I really need these antibiotics?").
janceyrt
8 months ago
48 comments
Great idea for freeing up the ERs. I can't stand to take my child to the ER on a weekend when I know all they need is an antibiotic or something simple. Not to mention feeling like I'm taking someone else place that needs attention sooner.
mikoandbenji
8 months ago
180 comments
The Minute Clinics are a wonderful idea! They can save people time and money. They also free up ER's for more urgent care patients.
Shan4691
8 months ago
5402 comments
We also have to "Doc-in-a-Box" on NC. I am not sure if I would use them, but I suppose it's better than sitting in an urgent care for 5 hours!
emtpixie
8 months ago
326 comments
We havr them also. In addition we have something called Redi Clinic in most of our Wal-Mart stores (though some have closed) that is run by Bon Secours. I used to think it was ridiculous, but I've found that it's useful for things like flu shots, ear infections, physicals, etc. Not to mention convenient.
Breniaha
8 months ago
66 comments
We have these in Tn also. The prices are good and it is quick. I wouldn't go for anything major, but for quick fixes it is great.