Retail health clinics have started to gain some serious interest from consumers who can combine shopping needs with affordable healthcare. These in-store clinics housed at large retailers are typically staffed with nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants under the supervision of a physician, who is not necessarily onsite.

At a recent meeting, the American Medical Association House of Delegates adopted a resolution which calls for federal and state agencies to investigate the safety of such environments. Also under scrutiny is the relationship of clinics to in-store pharmacies which could present a potential conflict of interest. Nevertheless, in some parts of the county, health plans have started to analyze the economics and convenience of retail clinics – most notably in the Midwest- where Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota announced that it would offer its subscribers a new benefit: no out of pocket payments to see clinicians at retail convenience clinics. In anticipation of saving up to $30.00 to $45.00 a visit through use of these clinics for ‘minor care’ such as sore throat or ear infection, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will likely be the first of many other health plans to jump on the band wagon.