Retail Health Clinics (RHCs) are health care facilities located in high-traffic retail outlets with adjacent pharmacies that are intended to provide convenient and affordable care without sacrificing quality. The clinics add an option that complements services to individuals and families who otherwise would need to wait for an appointment with a traditional primary care physician or provider.1 Appointments are not necessary for episodic health needs. Usually open 7 days a week, RHCs offer extended hours on weekdays.2
The clinics are staffed by licensed, qualified advance practice providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who are supervised by family physicians where required by state law. These clinicians have advanced education to diagnose, treat, and prescribe for nonemergent ailments such as colds and flu, rashes and skin irritation, and muscle strains or sprains.3 They are supported by an electronic health record that contains established evidence-based protocols.2,4
Evolution of retail health clinics
The first RHC, operated by QuickMedx, opened its doors in 2000 in Minneapolis– St. Paul.1,5 Only patients with a very limited number of illnesses were seen, and payment was cash. In 2005, this clinic was acquired by a major pharmacy retailer, which led to several acquisitions by other retailers and health care systems. In addition to accepting cash for a visit, the clinics formed contracts with health insurance companies. The average cost of a visit to an RHC in 2016 was estimated to be $70, considerably less than the cost at urgent care clinics ($124) and emergency rooms ($356).6
Today, more than 20 companies provide health care services at RHCs (TABLE 1). CVS (MinuteClinic) has the most retail clinics, followed by Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, and Zoom+Care.1,2 There are now about 3,300 clinics in the United States, Canada, and Mexico (nearly all are located in the United States).2 Currently, RHCs are present in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming are the only states without an RHC, while large-population states (California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas) have experienced an explosion in clinic openings.2
RHCs are found in high foot traffic locations, such as large retailers and grocery stores, and in prioritizing services such as drug stores. By analyzing 2019 clinic openings and population centers, the Convenient Care Association determined that more than half of the US population now lives within a 10-minute drive of an RHC.2 New locations are established on a regular basis, resulting in some flux in the total number of clinics.
Continue to: Services that RHCs provide...