Retail Healthcare: Disruptive Innovation that Continues to Evolve

Retail clinics are more affordable and convenient than traditional doctors’ offices and urgent care centers.

Traditionally, a medical issue warrants a visit to the doctor. If the situation is minor, an appointment with your primary care physician is the typical route to take, and anything more serious may require a trip to the ER.

But these days, there are plenty of other options available for Americans looking to get different levels of medical attention. Retail medical clinics are one option.

Retail Clinics Disrupting the Healthcare Industry

Retail healthcare is taking the healthcare industry by storm and proving to be a real disruption in the sector. Not only do they offer a much more convenient means of getting medical help, but they’re also more affordable. 

Over the past few years, retail medical clinics have been popping up in retail centers across the US. These facilities have also evolved in their offerings, giving patients a viable alternative to a primary care clinic or urgent care center.

Retail medical clinics focus mainly on handling acute medical situations, but are also involved in preventative healthcare. Right now, over 2,700 retail clinics are operating in 44 states and Washington D.C., handling millions of patient visits.

Families can take advantage of savings and more flexibility as members of a health care sharing ministry.

Patients Are Becoming More Sophisticated Consumers

Modern patients have become much more familiar with the healthcare system and the options they have available to them. And with the expansion in medical care options, patients are becoming more receptive to medical providers that don’t fall under the category of traditional health care.

According to a recent survey, 70% of consumers now know about retail health, and 79% claim that their experience with these clinics is the same or better than their experiences with a conventional clinic.

A big reason why consumers are embracing retail clinics is the patient-focused approach that retail clinics have adopted. These clinics work around a model that centers on the needs of the patient and are more dedicated to ensuring a more positive outcome. Indeed, personalized medical care is a crucial component of healthcare for a majority of consumers.

But retail clinics are also checking off other boxes for consumers. For instance, the convenience of location makes getting medical attention very convenient. Retail clinics tend to be located in shopping centers, which are within close proximity to community residents. A visit to the doctor can be as easy as stopping in after a trip to the grocery store.

Retail clinics also require no appointment, and wait times tend to be much less than they would be in a traditional urgent care center.

Further, retail clinics are more cost-effective than a traditional primary care physician’s office. Patients can save between 40% to 80% compared to traditional medical settings.

Those who are members of a healthcare sharing ministry can save even more. With a UHSM membership, patients can save between 30% to 40% compared to the cost of a healthcare insurance plan. And UHSM now has a partnership with CVS MinuteClinic, so, the combination of a health sharing membership coupled with a visit to a retail medical clinic can result in significant savings for patients.

If you’re looking for more affordability, flexibility, and freedom with your medical care, consider becoming a member of UHSM today. Get in touch with a representative to discuss your options and find a program that’s best suited for you and your family so you can share the health.