Impact of Retail Clinics on PCPs

A recently published study by the RAND Corporation examined whether a trip to one of the growing number of retail clinics would disrupt doctor-patient relationships.  
The results were mixed:

• Those visiting retail clinics were less likely to return to their primary care physician.
• Yet, no evidence revealed that retail clinic visits disrupted preventative medical care or diabetes management (key measurement of quality of care).

Rachel O. Reid, a study co-author noted,

"Retail clinics are still in their infancy and over time we may or may not observe a more negative impact of retail clinics on preventive care or continuity of medical care."

The study included a review of Aetna insurance claims from 2007-2009.  Patients visiting a retail clinic with an acute condition in 2008 were identified.  Researchers compared the retail clinic patient's pattern of care with those who visited a primary care physician for an acute condition during the same timeframe.   >>Read more