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/articl...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!

[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!

[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.