Retail Clinics Grow in Popularity

A new poll finds that 27% of respondents have visited a walk-in clinic for health-care during the past two years.

January 09, 2013

ARLINGTON, Va. - Walk-in medical clinics, such as those in workplaces, superstores and pharmacies, have rapidly increased their popularity, according to a new Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll, HealthDay reports.

Over the past two years, 27% of all adults surveyed used a retail clinic for medical care, up from 7% in 2008. "This survey shows a very large increase in the numbers of people using retail clinics over the last few years since earlier surveys, which used slightly different questions," said Humphrey Taylor, chairman of Harris Poll.

Of those surveyed, 40% of adults between the ages of 25 and 29 visited a retail or workplace clinic, versus 15% of adults age 65 and older. Most people used the retail clinic for minor ailments, such as colds or flu-like symptoms, for flu shots and to check cholesterol or blood pressure. Few respondents used the clinics for more serious conditions.

Most surveyed cited convenience as the reason for their visit. "It's really that combination of quality, accessibility and affordability that's driven the growth of these clinics and the utilization of the clinics," said Web Golinkin, board president of the Convenient Care Association and CEO of RediClinic, which has locations in H-E-B stores.

"The proliferation of these clinics is helping to absorb a lot of health care issues. Many [health-related] episodes can, in fact, be treated and treated very well by folks who are trained and who are following evidence-based guidelines," said Patricia McGaffigan, R.N., interim president of the National Patient Safety Foundation.

The first U.S. retail clinic opened in 2000. Today, more than 1,350 exist in retail locations around the country.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement