The Wal-Mart effect on U.S. healthcare

February 28, 2008

Got strep throat? The flu? But your doctor’s all booked up today … or maybe you don’t have one?

Now that big-box Wal Mart has entered into the healthcare industry, you can walk in to a clinic where prices are rolled back by the cute smiley face. Earlier this month, the chain announced it would open 400 more clinics by 2010.

Wal-Mart’s presence is sure to have a ripple effect on practicing physicians, nurses, emergency rooms, insurance practices and more.

RNCentral has put together a list of 20 predictions on the impact of Wal-Mart clinics: from flat fees to increased immunizations to more nurse practicioners.

Their bottom line? Rural citizens, working parents and the uninsured will have more convenient, cheap access to simple healthcare, but traditional medical offices will likely feel the mental and financial crunch of treating only the most complicated patients.

JACKIE SAUTER, Web Editor

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Posted by The Daily Record | Filed Under business, health 

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