The number of retail clinics in the U.S. has grown to more than 1,400, according to the Convenient Care Association, and people are visiting them for everything from treatment of minor ailments and injuries to preventative services.
Convenience, easy access, and affordability are among the factors driving the increase in retail clinic patient visits. With many located inside the neighborhood drugstore, such as Walgreens Take Care Clinics, consumers have the flexibility of extended hours, short wait times, pharmacy access, and the convenience of additional shopping under one roof.
Retail clinics provide a range of services
In addition to preventative health care services like sports physicals, flu shots and vaccinations, retail clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners experienced to treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries quickly and efficiently. Most retail clinics provide treatment for:
- Bumps, cuts and scrapes
- Rashes and minor burns
- Fevers
- Burning with urination
- Sinus or ear pain
- Eye irritation, swelling, pain
- Minor allergic reaction
- Coughs and sore throat
- Cold or flu symptoms
While retail clinics see patients on a walk-in basis, many are offering an additional convenience to consumers: the ability to schedule appointments in advance. Walgreens Take Care Clinics in Denver and Chicago recently partnered with iTriage to offer on-the-go appointment setting and access to health care information directly from their smartphone or online device. When consumers use iTriage to schedule an appointment at select Take Care Clinics they receive an immediate response to their request.
“Today’s consumers are increasingly turning to their mobile devices to access health care information and services, wherever they are and whenever they need it,” said Heather Helle, divisional VP for Walgreens Consumer Solution Group, on the convenience of mobile appointment setting through iTriage.
To learn more about symptoms, medical conditions, medications and treatment options, as well as access to a nationwide database of retail clinics, download iTriage for free from app stores or visit www.iTriageHealth.com.