What's a retail clinic? When would I go to one?

Retail clinics are part of the big trend to make health care more convenient. These walk-in clinics are located inside of retail stores, such as pharmacies, supermarkets, and department stores. These convenient care clinics are usually staffed with either a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant and are a good option for a short-term illness or as a back-up when you can’t see your doctor. But they should not replace a long-term relationship with a primary care physician.

Retail Clinic Pros:

- Extended Hours (usually open 7a-7p, seven days a week)

- No appointments Necessary

- Price Transparency (have set prices for each service on their website)

- Medicare and private insurance accepted

Retail Clinic Cons:

- No continuity of care compared to seeing a primary care doctor

- Not ideal for adults > 65 (oftentimes minor issues in the elderly end up being more serious)

- Not ideal for chronic disease management

Here are some conditions that can be treated at a retail clinics:

Allergies Cough Earache

Indigestion HIV Exposure Mono

Mouth pain Dental Pain Nausea & Vomiting

Diarrhea Pink Eye Stye

Sinus Infection Sore Throat Upper Respiratory Infection

STD UTI Insect Bite

Minor Burn Scrape Blister

Sprain Strain Splinter Removal

Joint Pain Suture Removal Staple Removal

Acne Athlete's Foot Chicken Pox

Rash Impetigo Poison Ivy & Oak

Lice Ringworm Medication Refills

Sunburn Shingles Wart Evaluation

Vaccinations Physicals Birth Control

Weight Loss Smoking Cessation Pregnancy Tests

Scabies Yeast Infections Ear Wax Removal

Preventative (motion sickness, Diarrhea, Malaria, Typhoid Prevention)