Retail clinics, particularly those in drugstores, are catching on with American consumers. That's the conclusion of Kalorama Information, a research firm specializing in the healthcare market.
According to Kalorama estimates, sales from U.S. retail clinics hit $733.4 million in 2010 with the majority coming from those in CVS, Walgreens and other drugstores. Clinics in pharmacies currently represent 81 percent of the 1,344 operating in retail stores today.
"Clinics have worked in a variety of situations, but over the past few years we've seen more clinics open in drug store locations than in mass merchandise or food stores," said Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama, in a press release. "It's logical in terms of one stop-shopping, because the drug store visitor is already a consumer with healthcare on his or her mind."
While the channel has grown in popularity with consumers, opposition from physician groups and their allies in various state legislatures has slowed the pace of new clinic openings. Even with opposition, most of the more restrictive measures, such as requiring clinics to notify a patient's doctor after a visit, have failed to pass.
CVS and Walgreens have been the most aggressive in pursuing new clinics in stores. Kalorama's Carlson believes that the growth in the drug channel also may be due to the two largest players having skin in the game.
"We still expect the concept to continue to be attempted in all locales, particularly by Walmart and other mass merchandisers," said Mr. Carlson. "But in these stores, the clinics are often third-parties and one of many attractions in the store, while in drugstores they are critical to the operation."