The Value Proposition of Retail Clinics
With convenient weekend and after-hours care, retail clinics have the potential to expand access to basic primary care and help address some non-clinical needs underlying the social determinants of health.
The Issue
As the role of retail clinics evolve, they face a series of challenges and opportunities to integrate into the health care system and contribute more broadly to a Culture of Health.
Key Findings
How might retail clinics help advance a Culture of Health and contribute to achieving the triple aim of improved patient care, population heath, and reduced cost?
- Integrate retail clinics as partners in the health care delivery system, expanding alternatives to emergency departments for after-hours care and routine primary care to children over 18 months of age, including administration of vaccines.
- Measure and report the quality of care and performance of retail clinics compared to other settings.
- In partnership with state and local government, open new stores with retail clinics in underserved communities and offer services not traditionally found in stores such as health insurance enrollment assistance, and nutrition and housing support.
- Expand the roles of retail clinics to support public health and emergency response efforts.
Conclusion
There are two key determinants of the long-term impact of retail clinics; their ability to integrate with the health care system, and their economic realities.
About the Study
This report from Manatt Health, a business advisory health care practice, examines the potential value proposition of retail clinics in building a Culture of Health in the United States. The authors were guided by an advisory committee and informed by published research and interviews with 20 retail clinic experts and stakeholders.