Retail clinics' convenience and lower costs appeal to consumers, but their presence in the market could also benefit the healthcare sector as well, according to an article on the Fierce Healthcare website.
A report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), "Building a Culture of Health: The Value Proposition of Retail Clinics," said that retail or urgent care clinics could handle up to 27 percent of emergency room visits, generating annual savings of up to $4.4 billion.
Retail clinics' long-term impact depends on both how well they coordinate care with other healthcare providers and economic factors, the article said.
To ensure their longevity, they must embrace programs that address patient access and their non-clinical needs, according to the report.
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