Not all doctors and health systems are resistant to the idea of these businesses. Geisinger, a regional health system in Pennsylvania, has opened four clinics in the past year inside Weis Markets, a local grocery chain. Two more are under way. "If we didn't do it, someone else would in our own back yard," says Dean Lin, VP at Geisinger and CEO of its CareWorks clinic business. Worries that it would be competing with its own physician practices have proved unfounded. "About 30% of our customers have no physician," he adds. It's hard to argue with the math. "For strep throat, a doctor's visit would average $329, urgent care $109, and we're $55," he says.
Ultimately, it's the sniffling masses who will make or break the clinic wave. So far customer complaints are nonexistent. Clinic customers may even be more compliant patients, according to the Minnesota study: They were more likely to fill a prescription or seek follow-up care. And a solid 20% were also repeat customers. "It's a sticky service," Wunker says.
I can see why. Four days after my visit, I got a note from my fast-food nurse. THANKS FOR STOPPING IN, said the preprinted card. And in a careful, legible hand: "Ellen, don't forget to take time and slow down."
Feedback: mcgirt@fastcompany.com
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Recent Comments | 3 Total
July 24, 2008 at 9:48pm by Sandra Rodrigez
I seriously doubt it. Patients either want their doctor to examine them during an office visit or to have their doctor answer their medical questions medical questions
via email or by telephone. I predict we will see the rise of the "online doctor".