Retail Health Care: Wal-Mart’s Popular Doctor Services

CNN reports that in-store health clinics are growing in popularity. Retailers such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, Safeway and Kroger are all seeing increased interest in the basic medical care services offered inside their shops. These easy to access, and relatively inexpensive clinics offer medical advice, vaccinations and treatments for minor medical problems. Combining low cost (the average visit costs about $60) with the convenience of having a doctor inside your local super-center have made these micro-clinocs a go-to resource for patients looking to escape the broken and expensive health care system.  It’s believed that this kind of health care will re-define the primary care market. There were 1,200 of such locations in 2008, with annual revenue of $545 million. By 2013, the total number of clinics is expected to double, with revenue of about $2 billion.

CNN: “Wal-Mart wants your rash and strep throat”