The American College of Physicians (ACP) today said that retail health clinics -- now commonly present in drugstores and/or big box retailers -- are best used as a backup alternative to a patient's primary care physician for the diagnosis and treatment of episodic minor illnesses. "Health care delivery models are changing and our patients are embracing and exploring alternatives to the traditional office practice," said Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP, president of ACP.
"Retail Health Clinics: A Policy Position Paper of the American College of Physicians is being released at this time because ACP feels it is important to provide guidance to physicians and their patients allowing them to understand the role retail health clinics may have in providing quick, convenient and patient-centered care," Dr. Riley noted. A summary of the paper is in Annals of Internal Medicine.
"The expansion of both the number and scope of retail health clinics raises many questions about the role of retail clinics long term and how they may complement or augment good medical care and routine preventive health services." Dr. Riley said. "A balance must be struck between the convenience and easy access retail clinics provide with the importance of establishing relationships between patients and physicians, particularly for patients who have complex medical histories and/or multiple medical problems."
ACP's half-dozen recommendations and positions address the expansion of retail health clinics while underscoring the need for adherence to patient safety and quality protocols and strong communication and collaboration among patients and the retail health clinic providers, and physicians:
"The positions put forward by ACP highlight a meaningful approach that will have positive effects for both patients and physicians," concluded Dr. Riley. "The health care system will, then, realize the full potential of primary care physicians working collaboratively with retail health clinics."
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The above post is reprinted from materials provided by American College of Physicians. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
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