Retail health clinics sign agreement to support AAFP's desired attributes

American Family Physician,  March 1, 2007  

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Three retail health clinics prominent in the national health care market have signed an agreement in support of the AAFP's list of desired attributes for such clinics. In the agreement, RediClinic, MinuteClinic, and Take Care Health Systems consented to limit the scope of clinical services provided, operate under the supervision of a practicing licensed physician, foster continuity of care between patients and their primary care physicians, and refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicate a condition that goes beyond the clinic's agreed-upon scope of practice.

Either party can terminate the agreement at any time without cause by giving no less than 30 days' notice. The AAFP said it would not police these clinics and does not endorse them. However, by determining common ground and opening up communication channels, the AAFP hopes to ensure patient safety in the clinics and get a measure of input into how these clinics are operated. For more information, visit http://www.aafp.org/news-now/ professional-issues/20070201retailhealth.html.

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