News
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS vs RETAIL HEALTH CLINICS
Posted on: 07/30/2010
You may be aware of clinics opening in retail stores to provide care for minor illnesses. We would encourage you to weigh the pros and cons of these clinics. Feel free to discuss these clinics with your doctor, if you still have questions.
PROS
• They offer care for minor illnesses that can be quickly tested.
• Nurse practitioners prescribe medications that can be filled at the store’s pharmacy.
• Patients without primary care physicians are usually given a list of nearby doctors.
• They accept walk-in appointments.
CONS
• They do not go beyond the minor illness that brought the patient in.
• An on-site physician does not monitor nurse practitioners.
• Patients must do some self-diagnosis of illness because the retail clinic will not be aware of pre-existing conditions.
• Patients are a captive audience and might feel forced to fill their prescriptions at the retail store.
• Retail Health Clinics are not a substitute for the personal medical home every patient deserves and needs.
• Patients deserve a personal physician who provides health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and integrated through an ongoing relationship.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK?
1. Call your doctor’s office to see if they are available for a sick-child visit.
2. If it is after-hours, most doctors or their colleagues will return your call and make recommendations for your child.
3. If you need to see an after-hours facility, your doctor or one of their colleagues will make a recommendation to a facility.
YOU DESERVE HEALTH CARE THAT IS ACCESSIBLE,
COMPREHENSIVE, AND INTEGRATED THROUGH AN ONGOING
RELATIONSHIP!
