
A recent survey found that retail health clinics are becoming increasingly popular among healthcare consumers in the United States. The survey found that 58% of respondents are likely to visit their local pharmacy to get basic types of non-emergency healthcare. This shift in preference toward retail health clinics is likely due to several factors, including convenience, cost, and access. Retail health clinics frequently have convenient locations, long hours that don’t require appointments, and staff that is made up of nurse practitioners or physician assistants, who are typically paid less than doctors. Additionally, because they frequently have reduced overhead expenses, retail health clinics can pass those savings on to their patients.
Retail health clinics, especially those found in pharmacies, are gaining popularity among healthcare customers in the United States, according to a recent study commissioned by Wolters Kluwer.
The survey, which was conducted among more than 1,000 healthcare consumers, found that 58% of respondents are likely to visit their local pharmacy to get basic types of non-emergency healthcare. This includes services such as vaccinations, minor illnesses, and injuries.
The survey also found that younger generations are more likely to prefer retail health clinics than older generations. For example, 56% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennial respondents said they would like to visit the pharmacy to get care, compared to just 40% of Gen X and 35% of Boomers.
This shift in preference toward retail health clinics is likely due to several factors, including convenience, cost, and access. Retail health clinics are typically located in convenient locations, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, and they offer extended hours with no appointment necessary. This makes them a more attractive option for patients who are looking for quick and easy access to care.
In general, retail health clinics are less expensive than standard medical offices. This is because they are staffed by physician assistants or nurse practitioners, who are often paid less than doctors. Additionally, because they frequently have reduced overhead expenses, retail health clinics can pass those savings on to their patients.
Finally, retail health clinics offer a wider range of services than traditional doctor’s offices. In addition to providing basic care for minor illnesses and injuries, retail health clinics also offer vaccinations, smoking cessation counseling, and other preventive services. This makes them a more comprehensive option for patients who are looking for a one-stop shop for their healthcare needs.
The growing popularity of retail health clinics is a sign of the changing landscape of healthcare in the United States. As patients become more demanding of convenience, cost, and access, retail health clinics are well-positioned to meet their needs.
In addition to the findings mentioned above, the survey also revealed the following:
- 62% of adults said they would go to a pharmacy-based retail health clinic to get vaccinated.
- 54% of respondents said they would rather visit the pediatrician for childhood vaccinations.
- 8 in 10 respondents said they would probably never visit a big box store for healthcare.
- Patients trust their pharmacists more than their doctors.
- Patients believe their pharmacists have access to and check their medical records before filling a prescription at least half the time.
- Patients are generally unconcerned about a provider’s credentials when it comes to retail health clinics.
- 37% of respondents said they declined to fill a prescription because of the high price tag.
- 86% of respondents said they would take a generic medication if it meant saving money.
- 92% of respondents think it’s the provider’s or pharmacist’s job to inform patients of possible cost savings.
- Only around a third (36%) said they’ve talked to their pharmacists about cost-cutting strategies in the past few months.
- 76% of consumers are in favor of giving OTC designation to certain prescriptions that are widely used and commonly found to be safe.
- 74% of consumers think this would help lower costs without compromising patient safety.
These findings suggest that retail health clinics are becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare landscape. They offer a convenient, affordable, and accessible option for patients who are looking for basic care for minor illnesses and injuries. As the demand for these services continues to grow, retail health clinics will likely play an even greater role in the future of healthcare.