Wal-Mart to open 400 in-store clinics

[Mr. P]

I think it's a good thing.

What do you think?



NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said on Tuesday that it will contract with local hospitals and other organizations to open as many as 400 in-store health clinics in the next two to three years.

Should current market forces continue, the world's largest retailer said up to 2,000 clinics could be in Wal-Mart stores over the next five to seven years.

Wal-Mart said the effort marks an expansion of a pilot program it started in 2005, when it leased space within its stores to medical clinics. Currently, it said 76 clinics are operating inside Wal-Mart stores in 12 states.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2007-04-24T205450Z_01_WEN6901_RTRUKOC_0_US-WALMART-CLINICS.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

[theHawk]

Well they make a bundle of money by importing cheap crap from China. Why stop there?

[Mr. P]

Well they make a bundle of money by importing cheap crap from China. Why stop there?

If they can contract with local med providers for a lower cost of care why not?

[Hagbard Celine]

Great! Now Bocefus and Tammi have a place to get that gout checked out! It's only a matter of time before Wal-Mart builds barracks behind all their stores for their employees to live in. They'll issue "Wally-Dollars" and some people will live their entire lives without ever having left the Wal-Mart campus. Costco now sells coffins--I'm sure Wal-Mart isn't far behind. They'll live their entire lives inside Wal-Mart and then get cremated at a small, plastic ceremony out back and their ashes will be used in the mortar for another Wal-Mart in yet another town where small business is a thing of the past! :eek:

[Birdzeye]

As much as I've criticized Walmart over the way they treat their employees, I have to say, I have no problem with them starting this venture. I'll be happy to heap praises on them if this helps rein in health care costs in any way.

[KitchenKitten99]

This is no different than the MinuteClinics here in MN. i don't know if they're anywhere else, but they are in Target, CVS, and CubFoods stores. Actually, it is the same thing. The NP's can screen and treat for several minor things.

[Mr. P]

As much as I've criticized Walmart over the way they treat their employees, I have to say, I have no problem with them starting this venture. I'll be happy to heap praises on them if this helps rein in health care costs in any way.

That's how I see it too.

[LiberalNation]

Cool if they can provide competition and cheaper prices more power to em.

[5stringJeff]

If they can contract with local med providers for a lower cost of care why not?

I think it's a great idea.

[glockmail]

Between this and HSAs (http://www.treas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/) the free market and the GOP are 1/2 way there to reforming the Heath Care issue. The remaining 1/2 is tort reform.

[Birdzeye]

Trust someone to give credit to the GOP! http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/funny/rolling_eyes.gif

[Mr. P]

Between this and HSAs (http://www.treas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/) the free market and the GOP are 1/2 way there to reforming the Heath Care issue. The remaining 1/2 is tort reform.

Just watch who the opposer's are. My guess unions and the national health care supporters (socialist).

This will drive down cost on routine stuff in less than 5 years. I can see the day you could get an a MRI at Walmart or elsewhere at a competitive price. Competition works.

[lily]

Sounds like a good idea to me!

[Monkeybone]

an mri at Wally world? blech. the only tech that would be working there are the ones that couldn't cut it else where. i support the whole having 'more availible/affordable' routine stuff, but the great blue devil only does something when there is a profit involved. i worked there....*shuuder*. unless they actually move smaller doc's offices in there, i don't think that it would work out that too great. maybe for like physicals and 'i got stuck with this rusty nail' sorta things.

[lily]

unless they actually move smaller doc's offices in there, i don't think that it would work out that too great. maybe for like physicals and 'i got stuck with this rusty nail' sorta things.

Isn't that what most clinics are for? I didn't read anywhere where it stated that this was going to be a doctor's office.

[Mr. P]

an mri at Wally world? blech. the only tech that would be working there are the ones that couldn't cut it else where. i support the whole having 'more availible/affordable' routine stuff, but the great blue devil only does something when there is a profit involved. i worked there....*shuuder*. unless they actually move smaller doc's offices in there, i don't think that it would work out that too great. maybe for like physicals and 'i got stuck with this rusty nail' sorta things.

To start with I guess the concept is clinic stuff, but I can see off-site service of other stuff like MRI in the future. Heck, there's a service here like that now.

[Monkeybone]

well yah that it what clinics are for. i was talking about the mri and such. sorry

[Monkeybone]

yah same here. i guess the thought that gets to me is that its @ Wal-Mart. having seen how the stores and such are run, i think that it is a good idea that would be great and then slowly go down the drain

[Mr. P]

well yah that it what clinics are for. i was talking about the mri and such. sorry

Remember they are contracting with local hospitals/Docs. For this service.
I don't see this as anything but a win win for everyone. Health care costs will drop like a greased man-hole cover.

[Monkeybone]

understandable. and i could see how it would work in certain places, like is it aimed @ big cities?

[-Cp]

My worry here is that Wal Mart - as with all their employees - will attract the bottom rung of doctors because they pay such ghetto wages.

If you want to trust your health to a bunch of "mouth breathers" - then go ahead...

[Mr. P]

understandable. and i could see how it would work in certain places, like is it aimed @ big cities?

I have no idea what the BIG plan is as far as cities etc. Time will tell.

But, I can see a business model in rural areas that may have one MRI facility to serve say 3 Walmart clinics. In metro areas it would be a different ratio.

[Abbey Marie]

Between this and HSAs (http://www.treas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/) the free market and the GOP are 1/2 way there to reforming the Heath Care issue. The remaining 1/2 is tort reform.

The bolded part is a key and often overlooked point.

[KitchenKitten99]

Like I said, this is the same concept as MinuteClinic. (see link (http://www.minuteclinic.com/en/USA/) for details) . I have used them when their service total is cheaper than my deductible on my insurance, and they take my insurance, so I still walk out saving about $30 if it is a visit for things like strep, sinus infection, ear infection (for the boys), and minor things. Their services are limited, but it is easier (often faster) than a dr. appt and urgent care where the wait time can be an hour or more.

[Mr. P]

My worry here is that Wal Mart - as with all their employees - will attract the bottom rung of doctors because they pay such ghetto wages.

If you want to trust your health to a bunch of "mouth breathers" - then go ahead...

Those folks are out there now, CP. And charging the same rate as the top tear.
If this is successful the top tear will drop their cost just to compete.

I just don't see a loser here..cept the high end Docs bank account.

Why buy at Saks if you can get the same at Walmart? That applies to anything they each sell.

[Monkeybone]

Abbey some of us are 'special in the head' and don't know what that means maybe :(

[Abbey Marie]

The clinic that is near our neighborhood charges $100 just to see you.

[Abbey Marie]

Abbey some of us are 'special in the head' and don't know what that means maybe :(

Sorry, M. I'm not sure what you are referencing.

[Mr. P]

The clinic that is near our neighborhood charges $100 just to see you.

A Walmart clinic? Or the standard?

[Monkeybone]

The bolded part is a key and often overlooked point.

tort?

[Mr. P]

Sorry, M. I'm not sure what you are referencing.

Tort reform I think...Law suites M...

[Monkeybone]

oohh law suits. gotcha. Wal-mart has enough for hush money and also, i bet if it ain't something VERY simple, the patients will see alot of referrals

[Mr. P]

oohh law suits. gotcha. Wal-mart has enough for hush money and also, i bet if it ain't something VERY simple, the patients will see alot of referrals

Sure there will be referrals, there are now. Tort reform is about more than Law suits though.
It deals with maximum awards and frivolous suits etc. Things that have helped to drive health care cost through the roof.

[Abbey Marie]

Sure there will be referrals, there are now. Tort reform is about more than Law suits though.
It deals with maximum awards and frivolous suits etc. Things that have helped to drive health care cost through the roof.

That's it, MB. Especially outrageous punitive damages.

[5stringJeff]

My worry here is that Wal Mart - as with all their employees - will attract the bottom rung of doctors because they pay such ghetto wages.

If you want to trust your health to a bunch of "mouth breathers" - then go ahead...

What's wrong with breathing through one's mouth?

[Abbey Marie]

What's wrong with breathing through one's mouth?

I always thought the term/insult, was "mouth breeders". Referring to fish who actually breed in their mouths. Sure seems more insulting to me.

http://www.world-of-animals.de/Animal-lexicon/mouth-breeders.html

"...certain African cichlid fish (genus Haplochromis)... the females, which are mouth breeders, take into their mouths the eggs they have laid before the male fertilizes them. Visual models of these eggs are part of the pattern of the ventral fins of the male. After the female has placed the eggs in her mouth, the male spreads his ventral fin before her. The male emits sperm as the female snaps at the false eggs, thus permitting the real eggs in her mouth to be fertilized."

[Monkeybone]

that is kinda....weird...mouth breeders that is

but that would be a thought in the back of my head too. are these the best? or ones that barely made it by some means and Wal-mart is the only place that would hire them? not meaning that those ppl wouldn't care and try their best. anyone get what i mean?

[-Cp]

What's wrong with breathing through one's mouth?

Cause they look like this guy:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:h_K3Ya9jPjmiyM:http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/18914.jpg%3Fis%3D90,90,0xffffff

[Abbey Marie]

that is kinda....weird...mouth breeders that is

but that would be a thought in the back of my head too. are these the best? or ones that barely made it by some means and Wal-mart is the only place that would hire them? not meaning that those ppl wouldn't care and try their best. anyone get what i mean?

I often wonder about that with clinics in general.

[Hagbard Celine]

What's wrong with breathing through one's mouth?

It gives you bad breath and less oxygen gets to your brain.

[Trigg]

Remember they are contracting with local hospitals/Docs. For this service.
I don't see this as anything but a win win for everyone. Health care costs will drop like a greased man-hole cover.

I don't know that costs would drop. Around here a Redi-med or Med-stat does simple routine colds and some minor stitches. They file insurance and charge a fee.

How would Wal-mart be any different??????

Maybe more conveniant if they're open 24 hrs.

[Mr. P]

that is kinda....weird...mouth breeders that is

but that would be a thought in the back of my head too. are these the best? or ones that barely made it by some means and Wal-mart is the only place that would hire them? not meaning that those ppl wouldn't care and try their best. anyone get what i mean?

I understand what you mean. Keep in mind though, anyone dispensing medical care will be licensed to do so just like anyone else in the profession. Walmart is not marketing their brand of medicine, they're contracting with local providers, hospitals do this now.

Will it be great care? Donno. In my opinion it's hard to find great care anywhere and a clinic would not be my first choice. But, this could really be a turning point for quality care for anyone with minimal charge when compared to todays norm. IMO

[Trigg]

I often wonder about that with clinics in general.

Many clinics are staffed with Nurse Practitioners/Physicians Assistants with a Dr. on staff for any questions they might have.

[Mr. P]

I don't know that costs would drop. Around here a Redi-med or Med-stat does simple routine colds and some minor stitches. They file insurance and charge a fee.

How would Wal-mart be any different??????

Maybe more conveniant if they're open 24 hrs.

I doono, are Redi-med and Med-stat multi billion dollar operations?
Do they sell generic drugs for $4 a script?

[Monkeybone]

they are like an out-patient ER instead of going to the ER itself Mr. P, they also handle workers comp and such

[Abbey Marie]

Many clinics are staffed with Nurse Practitioners/Physicians Assistants with a Dr. on staff for any questions they might have.

I know that is a growing phenomenon. We just switched our primary physician, and I purposely chose one who did not work with a nurse practitioner. I am paying doctor's rates, and I want a doctor's hands on, face-to-face care. My fil has that setup. He can choose to make an appointment with the doctor, but it takes longer. He is pretty old and diabetic, and I think it's wrong. If people are happy with that, fine, but I think it borders on a double-billing scam.

It especially irritated me when I went to see a specialist, and they automatically assigned me to see a N.P. When I had to make a return visit, I insisted the appointment be with the doctor. If I recall, he was none too pleased with me about it.

[Mr. P]

I know that is a growing phenomenon. We just switched our primary physician, and I purposely chose one who did not work with a nurse practitioner. I am paying doctor's rates, and I want a doctor's hands on, face-to-face care. My fil has that setup. He can choose to make an appointment with the doctor, but it takes longer. He is pretty old and diabetic, and I think it's wrong. If people are happy with that, fine, but I think it borders on a double-billing scam.

It especially irritated me when I went to see a specialist, and they automatically assigned me to see a N.P. When I had to make a return visit, I insisted the appointment be with the doctor. If I recall, he was none too pleased with me about it.
I hate all that too, Abbey. On the other hand I've run across several NPs and PAs that were much better than some Docs I've seen.

[Nukeman]

I understand what you mean. Keep in mind though, anyone dispensing medical care will be licensed to do so just like anyone else in the profession. Walmart is not marketing their brand of medicine, they're contracting with local providers, hospitals do this now.

Will it be great care? Donno. In my opinion it's hard to find great care anywhere and a clinic would not be my first choice. But, this could really be a turning point for quality care for anyone with minimal charge when compared to todays norm. IMO

Keep in mind Mr.P we have a saying that says it all

"What do you call the person that graduated at the bottom of his medical school........................Doctor"

Just because they have an MD of DO after thier name doesnt mean they are very bright. I have come across a great number of Dr.'s that are very book smart but not a bit of common sense or able to aply what they know....

I personnaly forsee Wal-Mart hireing foriegn Dr.'s to fill the spots with a slew of Nurse Prat. and Physicians Assistants. This will keep there main overhead of salary's down. I doubt they will offer many services such as lab or radiologic due to the fact a lab setup is millions of dollars and the QC involved is horendous. If they try to place radiologic services you will not get a fully trained individual but some one who is OJT by the physician which if you can believe it or not is still legal in a lot of states. The equipment for simple X-ray is upwards of $250,000 and that is just for the equipment dont forget film or digital equipment for imaging and storage. The cost will be too much for them to consider anything other than a glorified ban-aid station.....

[shattered]

I think you get what you pay for.. In this case, walk in with a complaint - 30 seconds later, walk out with a "quick fix" prescription... Cheap way for people to collect pain pills for kicks..

Plenty of Wal-Mart's have vision "specialists" in them right now..They never seem real busy.. I wonder why...

[Mr. P]

Keep in mind Mr.P we have a saying that says it all

"What do you call the person that graduated at the bottom of his medical school........................Doctor"

Just because they have an MD of DO after thier name doesnt mean they are very bright. I have come across a great number of Dr.'s that are very book smart but not a bit of common sense or able to aply what they know....

I personnaly forsee Wal-Mart hireing foriegn Dr.'s to fill the spots with a slew of Nurse Prat. and Physicians Assistants. This will keep there main overhead of salary's down. I doubt they will offer many services such as lab or radiologic due to the fact a lab setup is millions of dollars and the QC involved is horendous. If they try to place radiologic services you will not get a fully trained individual but some one who is OJT by the physician which if you can believe it or not is still legal in a lot of states. The equipment for simple X-ray is upwards of $250,000 and that is just for the equipment dont forget film or digital equipment for imaging and storage. The cost will be too much for them to consider anything other than a glorified ban-aid station.....

Hiring foreign Dr.'s ? Ha, check yer local phone book, look at the names.
I think walmart can pull this off.

[glockmail]

Trust someone to give credit to the GOP! http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/funny/rolling_eyes.gif Time to give the devil his due, don't ya think? The MSM has buried this victory for 4 years now.

[glockmail]

The bolded part is a key and often overlooked point. And you know the Dems and libs are fighting that tooth and nail- all at the expense of poor people's health. Those compasionate liberals.

[Pale Rider]

What's wrong with breathing through one's mouth?

I think Anne Coulter coined the phrase, comparing one to a retard, whom mostly breath through their mouth.

[Pale Rider]

Plenty of Wal-Mart's have vision "specialists" in them right now..They never seem real busy.. I wonder why...

That's the absolute truth. I don't recall the last time I actually saw someone in one. It's usually two people sitting there in their white coats all alone. But then, I did stop ONCE and looked at a couple frames as I was on my way out the door. They were really cheap and crappy looking. Twenty seconds, and I knew I'd never give them any business.

[Pale Rider]

I think we should just close down ALL business here in America, and have wal mart subsidize ALL of it... :uhoh:

Then we'll be OWNED by CHINA.

[Monkeybone]

that is all some ppl can afford though pale.

but yah..the 'white coat' ppl. they used to just switch between photo and the eye center when i worked there. so right there..i never went.

[Birdzeye]

Time to give the devil his due, don't ya think? The MSM has buried this victory for 4 years now.

What have they done to deserve any kudos in this area?

[Pale Rider]

that is all some ppl can afford though pale.

but yah..the 'white coat' ppl. they used to just switch between photo and the eye center when i worked there. so right there..i never went.

I just see walmart working towards an all out monopoly on everything. Wouldn't you like to see their secret twenty year prospectus?

[glockmail]

What have they done to deserve any kudos in this area? Prescription drug coverage for one. Ain't that enough in this current political climate? What have you liberals done in the past 50 years? Answer: nothing but support trial lawyers and complain.

[glockmail]

I think Anne Coulter coined the phrase, comparing one to a retard, whom mostly breath through their mouth. I think it's a variant of "slack jaw". You know, the West Virginia look.

[5stringJeff]

I think Anne Coulter coined the phrase, comparing one to a retard, whom mostly breath through their mouth.

Right... because NO ONE breaths through their mouths due to medical reasons, like a naroow/deviated septum, right?

I'm not attacking you, PR, I'm attacking Ann.

[glockmail]

Right... because NO ONE breaths through their mouths due to medical reasons, like a naroow/deviated septum, right?

I'm not attacking you, PR, I'm attacking Ann. Yes, you can be sure that Coulter is attacking people with medical problems. :rolleyes:

[Pale Rider]

Right... because NO ONE breaths through their mouths due to medical reasons, like a naroow/deviated septum, right?

I'm not attacking you, PR, I'm attacking Ann.

Well, I breath through my mouth, every time I go hiking in the mountains.

In defense of Anne, I'm sure she means it in a derogatory way towards liberals, and not aimed at people with medical problems.

[lily]

Prescription drug coverage for one. Ain't that enough in this current political climate? What have you liberals done in the past 50 years? Answer: nothing but support trial lawyers and complain.


On this one I have to agree with you glockmail. Wal-Mart does give a deep discount on prescriptions. Also, this has sparked a little price war between Wal-Mart and Meirs. Meirs will now fill a presciption for antibiotics for children or seniors for free. A little competion goes a long way.

[Abbey Marie]

On this one I have to agree with you glockmail. Wal-Mart does give a deep discount on prescriptions. Also, this has sparked a little price war between Wal-Mart and Meirs. Meirs will now fill a presciption for antibiotics for children or seniors for free. A little competion goes a long way.

I agree with your last sentence. It's a pity that all the Socialists don't get that concept. ;)

[Hobbit]

Right... because NO ONE breaths through their mouths due to medical reasons, like a naroow/deviated septum, right?

I'm not attacking you, PR, I'm attacking Ann.

Ann Coulter didn't coin it. It's older than that, and there's no reason to get upset.

Just imagine the last time you ran into a piece of the purest white trash you ever saw, someone with a neck redder than fresh cherries and who probably had an interest only loan on their double-wide. Now imagine the long gaps between words as the gears in his head grind. You're waiting for him to speak, but the only thing breaking the silence is the mucous-y, slow-drawn breath drawn painfully and annoyingly through his mouth as the sound hits your ears like nails on a chalkboard and the only thing on his face is a blank, ignorant stare that indicates that little is located behind the eyes. THAT is a mouth-breather.

Edit: However, the origin of the term did have something to do with medical disorders.

http://www.doubletongued.org/index.php/dictionary/mouth_breather/