McKinsey & Company: Retail

Retail in healthcare refers to the concept of providing healthcare services in retail settings such as pharmacies, supermarkets, and big box stores. These retail clinics are typically staffed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals who provide basic medical services such as vaccinations, minor illnesses, and routine check-ups.

Convenience: Retail clinics are designed to provide convenient access to healthcare services for patients, often with extended hours and walk-in availability.

Cost-effective: Retail clinics can offer lower-cost options for basic medical services, which can be beneficial for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

Services: Retail clinics typically offer a limited range of services, such as diagnosing and treating minor illnesses, providing vaccinations, and conducting routine check-ups. They may also offer lab tests, X-rays and other diagnostic services.

Integration with technology: Some retail clinics are integrating with new technologies such as telemedicine, remote monitoring and online appointment booking.

Collaboration with Primary Care: Retail clinics may work in collaboration with primary care providers to provide continuity of care for patients and to ensure that patients are referred to specialists when needed.

Regulations: Retail clinics are subject to state regulations, which may vary widely across the country.

Retail clinics can be an effective way to increase access to healthcare services for patients, particularly for those who are uninsured or underinsured. However, they should be considered as an additional option to primary care and not as a replacement. They should also be used in conjunction with a primary care physician to ensure continuity of care and to avoid unnecessary duplication of services.

Overall, Retail clinics are an innovative way of providing healthcare services in retail settings such as pharmacies, supermarkets, and big box stores. They offer convenience, cost-effective, and limited range of services, are integrating with new technologies, and in some cases, work in collaboration with primary care providers. They are subject to state regulations and should be used in conjunction with a primary care physician to ensure continuity of care and to avoid unnecessary duplication of services.