Would You Use a Retail Medical Clinic?

Retail medical clinics are opening up in major pharmacy chains and retail store around the country. Nurse practitioners are available to examine you and prescribe you any necessary medication. The cost is generally the same as the copay at your general practitioner's office. So, are these clinics a good thing or not?

If used for what they ware intended, these clinics have great potential. The hours are flexible. Most physicians aren't open after work and on weekends. The waiting times are expected to be very reasonable. The staff is properly qualified and well educated. These clinics were never meant to replace emergency rooms or routine physician visits.

If you're experiencing cold or flu symptoms, and you're not sure if you have an infection. Then the clinic is a great place to start. Sore throats, ear aches, sinus colds, a cough that won't let up; these are all reasonable times to give them a try. These nurses will evaluate you. Give you a prescription if needed, or send you for further evaluation.

Let's face it, if it's not an emergency then your physician probably isn't going to see you the same day. Then you miss another day of work, because their hours are usually 9 to 5. If you plan to go to the emergency room, your copay is much higher. The wait is long and nobody wants to be there if you don't have to.

I will try it if the opportunity arises. A sinus infection is a sinus infection. I know what my physician generally prescribes for me and what is reasonable to expect. If my children are sick with a sore throat or ear infection, I would also bring them. It's convenient, low cost and time efficient. The pharmacies have access to your prescription information, possible allergic reactions and interactions. Besides, it's always in your best interest to ask questions and be sure the medication or treatment is right for you.

Would I show up there with an asthma attack, a gash requiring stitches or appendicitis? No, that is insane. These clinics are not for life threatening emergencies or chronic conditions. They shouldn't be used for management and regulation of regularly taken medications or a new diagnosis of existing condition. That's just not what they are there for. They are not an alternative to seeing your physician on a regular basis. Many of these visits should be followed up by a trip to your doctor to be sure you are healed.

Retail medical clinics are just another option. If you don't feel comfortable using them, then don't. As for me, I'm going to do some more research. I am going to find which ones are in my area, what hours they are available, and who is supervising them. If my family gets hit by a cold or the flu, we'll know what our options are.