Paradigm Shift: From the Medical Office to Retail Walk-In Clinics

Abstract

Until recently, retail clinics have focused on acute health conditions such as skin and soft tissue infections and cough, cold, and flu symptoms. The new model of retail walk-in clinics focuses on the comprehensive management of patients, including those with chronic diseases. Retail clinics are positioned to improve patient safety, coordination of services, patient satisfaction, and physician satisfaction—perhaps reducing the epidemic of physician burnout, which currently affects nearly 50% of all physicians. This article discusses the concept of walk-in retail clinics and their benefits to both patients and providers.