McClinics: You're Sick. We're Quick and Coming to a Store Near You.

Convenience Medical Clinics in Retail Chains Are Taking Off

Your shopping experience in retail superstores like Wal-Mart, Target, or Walgreens will soon have a new stop. Somewhere in between your bank deposit, pedicure, eye exam, grocery getting, gift shopping, bush buying, prescription filling, postage stamps, and eating at McDonald's, you will be able to get your ear infection treated for only $59, and be in-and-out in about 15 minutes. McClinics are spreading like bacteria, into drug store chains, grocery stores, shopping malls, and supercenters across the U.S., according to a recent report by The Economist. Experts predict that today's 180 or so quick clinics will grow, like bacteria, to over 2000 clinics by the year 2009.

McClinics, also called convenience clinics, in-store clinics, express clinics, rapid clinics, quick clinics and retail clinics, differ from urgent care clinics by offering quick, inexpensive treatments for common health needs. The do not provide services for complex conditions or serious injuries. They can treat minor cuts, but not cuts requiring sutures. They can treat minor abrasions, but not those requiring X-rays. Services that were once available only during doctor's hours can now be offered at nights and on weekends at your neighborhood store. Almost all treatments can be completed in around 15 minutes, without an appointment, and costs half of what it would be in a full-blown medical facility or doctor's office.

Board-certified family nurse practitioners, with a minimum of a master's degree, and physician assistants staff most quick clinics, while others have certified doctors. The staff is trained to diagnose, treat, and write prescriptions (when legal) for common family illnesses like strep throat, infections, allergies, skin conditions, and respiratory illnesses. They also offer sports physicals, diagnostic screenings, and vaccinations. Clinics can operate in about 500 - 600 square feet of space and most quick clinics accept insurance plans like Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare.