Rite Aid Acquires RediClinic

Step aside CVS and Walgreens…Rite Aid will also 
offer consumers a convenient alternative to a long doctor's office wait.   The recent acquisition of RediClinic, a pioneer in the retail clinic industry, bolsters Rite Aid's health and wellness strategy.  RediClinic services include basic physical exams, screenings, immunizations.

The new parent will support Houston-based RediClinic's expansion in its home state of Texas and into select Rite Aid markets.  RediClinic opened in 2005 and currently operates 30 locations.  Rite Aid operates 4600 stores in 31 states.  >>Read more

Facebook and PT?

What do they have in common? 
On the surface…not much.
However, Facebook's interest in Oculus, a virtual reality company, could do much to spur the adoption of telemedicine in a variety of specialties, including physical therapy.  >>Read more

“After games, we’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine… consulting with a doctor face-to-face — just by putting on goggles in your home.”       ~Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Co-founder

VR therapy for phantom pain

The potential virtual reality application in physical therapy would address the phantom pain experienced by roughly 70% of amputees.  Current treatments include drugs, acupuncture, hypnosis and "mirror therapy" but don't always work.  VR therapies have been developed and tests conducted with more clinical studies needed to better assess the effectiveness.   >>Learn more about the VR approach to reducing phantom pain.

Telemedicine Interest Surges

Telemedicine is gaining a stronger foothold in the U.S. healthcare ecosystem thanks to its lower cost to patients, employers and insurers.  With the advent of smartphones and tablets…this healthcare delivery option is getting recognition as a time-saver too.

A greater number of large employers are covering telemedicine costs - an increase from 12% to 17% in 2013, according to HR consultancy Mercer.   Even more striking is the spike in interest among companies considering telemedicine coverage - from 33% to 43%.  The American Telemedicine Association CEO, Jonathan Linkous noted, "Telemedicine is increasing access, improving quality and decreasing costs…"  View the map for the number of states legislating telemedicine coverage.

How will the increased interest in telemedicine impact primary care physicians, urgent care centers, ERs?  Not.  With the influx of 7.1M newly insured Americans, it's likely that these traditional providers will continue to have a steady stream of patients.  What do you think?   >>Read more
 
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