In-store clinics gain ground with retailers, patients

Drug Store News,  Jan 15, 2007  

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One of the most promising developments to hit retail pharmacy in years is the rapid adoption of in-store, acute-care centers by many of the industry's largest chains.

Customers have embraced the concept, which offers the convenience of basic walk-in health care by a health professional, without the need for an appointment and at a reasonable price. The in-store clinics--there are al ready more than 20 companies operating some 300 of the facilities--are valued by pharmacy retailers for their ability to pull additional customer traffic into stores and highlight the store's image as a legitimate, professional health care destination.

Even better, studies show that 90 percent of the prescriptions written by the nurse practitioners who staff the clinics are filled by patients right away--in the host store's pharmacy.

Leading pharmacy retailers have seized the chance to develop the concept. CVS even bought the top clinical-care company, MinuteClinic, and rapidly is expanding the centers within its own stores. Walgreens and Wal-Mart have partnered with multiple clinic operators, such as Take Care Health Systems and RediClinics, among others, and rapidly are adding care centers, while regional chains like Kerr Drug expand their own partnerships.

"The convenient care industry has revolutionized the way patients access health care," said Tine Hansen-Turton, executive director of the newly formed Convenient Care Association.

One sign of the rapid expansion of the in-store clinic concept came in October, when 12 of the fledgling industry's largest operators banded together to found the association Hansen-Turton heads. Initial member companies include Take Care Health Systems, AtlantiCare Health Services, Aurora Health Care, Geisinger CareWorks, CheckUps, HealthStop, MedXpress, MEDPOINTexpress, My Healthy Access, QuickClinic and QuickHealth. CCA will spearhead the interests of retail clinical care in Washington, share best practices, promote common operating standards and develop image-building marketing efforts, among other priorities.

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