Three of the top retail clinic operators in the industry announced plans this month for new options, growing locations, and new partnerships. Although the explosive growth seen in the beginning has slowed, Walgreens, CVS Caremark and Target remain committed to in-store clinic operations. Some high-performing locations in select areas have developed a steady customer base, while logistics and other efficiencies have been realized. Recent announcements from the aforementioned retailers include:

• MinuteClinic,the retail health care division of CVS Caremark is partnering with Florida Hospital Medical Group (FHMG) a multi-specialty physician group affiliated with Florida Hospital, in a clinical affiliation that expands access to convenient, affordable health care services in Central Florida. Under the agreement, FHMG physicians will serve as medical directors for a dozen MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in the City of Orlando and five surrounding counties.
• Take Care Clinics are now offering three new diagnostic tests and administrative physicals. The launch of these new services is based on input from patients, managed care organizations and health care providers on ways to help prevent the progression of disease and use the most appropriate point of care.
• Target has announced its plans to open new Target Clinic locations at four Target stores in northern Virginia and four Target stores in North Carolina, marking the first Target Clinics to open in these states.

With the ever-increasing cost of health care, along with long waits at doctor’s offices, many consumers have been turning to retail clinics as an alternative.  For common family illnesses like colds and sore throats, clinics can be the better and sometimes cheaper choice.  However, there are obviously some things that they cannot do, simply because they are not staffed by an actual doctor but instead staffed by a nurse practitioner. By providing the option, though, huge retailers like Walgreens and CVS are creating a one-stop shop for basic health care needs.