Access and affordability are the key drawing cards for these in-store health clinics, which are redefining healthcare delivery by providing high-quality acute care options in the highly convenient setting of the local, community pharmacy

These clinics have already treated almost 2 million Americans for minor ailments and common illnesses, such as, cold, flu, cough, allergy skin rashes, pink eye, and more. Many clinics also offer diagnostic screenings for chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes; most are providing vaccinations for flu, as well as for the back-to-school season, travel and more, and a growing number are also implementing preventive health/wellness management programs around areas such as smoking cessation, weight loss and more.

According to research compiled by The Drug Store News Group/Retail Clinician magazine—

• It is projected that as many as 1,500 standalone retail clinics will be in operation by the end of 2008; factoring in the growing number of employer-based, work-site clinics, such as those operated by large companies like Best Buy and others, there will be more than 2,000 convenient care clinics in America by the end of the year.
• The average clinic treats about 25 patients per day.*
• As many as 70 percent of these patients are new customers to the host pharmacy.
• On average, 55-60 percent of all patients receive a prescription from the retail clinician/NP—more than 90 percent fill the prescription at the host pharmacy; about 40 percent receive a recommendation for an OTC product that addresses their symptoms.*
• More than 75 percent of retail clinicians/NPs typically recommend an OTC remedy with each prescription they write.*
• On average, fewer than five percent of all patients are beyond the care available in a retail clinic, and are referred to a primary care provider, ER, urgent care, etc.*
• More than half of retail clinicians consult 6 or more times a week with the store pharmacist regarding patient therapy, possible OTC alternatives and generic substitution options.*
• More than 86 percent of retail clinicians say they need more information on generic drug alternatives.*
• More than 90 percent say they need more information on new, emerging drug therapies.*
• 90 percent say they need more information on how to recommend appropriate OTC/self care remedies.*

WHERE THEY WORK*

• Chain drug store 57%
• Independent drug store 2%
• Discount/mass 10%
• Supermarket Rx 15%
• Standalone clinic 7%
• Employer-based 9%

HOW LONG THEY WORKED IN A CLINIC*

• Less than one month 3%
• 1-3 months 6%
• 4-6 months 8%
• 6 months-1 year 31%
• More than 1 year 52%

WHERE THEY CAME FROM*

• Another retail-based clinic 1%
• Hospital/ER 27%
• Walk-in clinic 7%
• Urgent care 6%
• Physician’s office 37%
• Other 23%

*Source: Retail Clinician 2007 Reader Survey