Pros and Cons of Walk-in Clinics
Over the last year the number of walk-in clinics and pharmacy doctor offices in the United States has increased from 800 to almost 5,000. Not that surprising really, we are a society that rewards convenience. Walk-in clinics are usually located inside a pharmacy, grocery store, or even the mall making them much easier to access than a typical doctor’s office. In fact, approximately 20 percent of Americans say they have been to a walk-in clinic and 35 percent say they are willing to try.
Pros
Less Expensive. Walk-in clinics tend to be less expensive than a typical doctor’s office visit. Walk-ins often offer specials like cheap vaccines. Why spend money on a co-pay for a doctor’s visit plus the cost of the vaccine when you can go to your local pharmacy clinic and just pay for the shot? As more insurance companies cover visits to walk-ins they will likely become even more popular.
Location. This ties into the convenience factor. Rather than drive, or get someone to drive you, to the doctor and then to the pharmacy you can make the trip to one location. If the walk-in is located inside the grocery store then you can grab some chicken soup and tissues while you are there too.
Quick Appointment. Sometimes getting into see a doctor for something like a sore throat or cold can take a day or two. Walk-in clinics offer same-day appointments. The appointments tend to be quick so you spend less time with the doctor and more time at home resting.
Cons
Untested. The quality of care that patients receive from a walk-in clinic has not been measured. Consumers should do their homework to ensure they are meeting with qualified physicians.
Not a Replacement for Regular Physician. A walk-in clinic is not the place to request care for a chronic condition. Issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis should be handled by the same physician so nothing dangerous, liking mixing medications, will occur. In fact, even if you go to a walk-in clinic for an acute illness you should still let your doctor know so he can make a note in your medical record.
Conclusion
As long as you continue to keep your primary care physician abreast of all your medical issues, it would appear that walk-in clinics can be a convenient alternative. As our population continues to age the need for quality healthcare rises as well. Perhaps, as more people seek out walk-in clinics for their minor medical issues, primary care physicians will find more time for their patients with chronic ailments. That would certainly be a win-win for everyone involved.
