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BUSINESS OF
MEDICINE
IF YJOOU CINAN’TT BHEAETMTH:EM,
What can primary care physicians learn
from retail clinics?
By Amer Kaissi, PhD
Convenient care models are new ways of healthcare delivery that transparency, and short wait times (2).
are designed around patient preferences and located in areas that are When retail clinics first appeared in 2000, primary care physicians
easily accessible to them. Retail clinics in pharmacy chains and gro-
cery stores treat minor conditions such as upper respiratory infec- (PCPs) were quick to dismiss them as a low-quality alternative to
tions, urinary tract infections and minor rashes, and offer physicals rigorous physician care. As the clinics started to gain popularity be-
and vaccinations (1). They are the prime example of innovative de- tween 2008 and 2012, physician groups and professional associa-
livery models that cater to patients’ needs of convenience, price tions expressed their strong opposition to them. The American
Medical Association (AMA) and its state affiliates, the American
14 San Antonio Medicine • December 2016
