Americans now have more access to healthcare practitioners, thanks in part to the advent of retail clinics. These medical offices are conveniently located in retail stores like supermarkets and department stores, making them more easily accessible for those requiring routine medical attention or advice.Various retailers are stepping up to include retail clinics on premises. CVS Pharmacy, for one, is enhancing its healthcare services by adding 1,500 “HealthHUBs” to locations across the US by the end of 2021.The company currently offers MinuteClinics, which are geared toward urgent care medical services that don’t necessarily require a trip to the ER. But HealthHUBs will deal with less urgent needs. These clinics will focus on disease management and offer services such as blood work and sleep apnea assessments.
Retail Clinics Can Offer Patients Time and Money Savings in Addition to Convenience
Anyone who is simply looking for everyday medical care may find heading to their local retail clinic more convenient, less time-consuming, and more affordable compared to traditional doctor’s office or emergency room visits. People with colds, ear infections, or other minor issues may find their local retail clinic a better option. No appointments are needed and care can be sought more quickly compared to conventional medical offices and health care centers. Retail clinics are considered a form of “convenient care clinic” (CCC) that are managed by physician medical directors in the community. They employ accredited physicians and health care workers to provide appropriate medical care to patients seeking care.Retail clinics can potentially save patients money in addition to offering convenience. For example, the average cost for a traditional medical appointment at a doctor’s office is $166 for insured patients, while the average cost at retail clinics is $110.Health sharing ministries may count visits to retail clinics as eligible medical expenses.
Health Share Ministries Can Help Cover the Cost of Retail Clinic Visits
Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical care, but the premiums and deductibles are very expensive and continue to increase in price. Fortunately, health sharing ministries offer a more affordable option than traditional health insurance, and more and more Americans are choosing to handle their healthcare expenses via health sharing programs.Many health sharing programs consider visits to retail clinics as eligible for medical sharing, as long as a few simple conditions are met. Generally, the retail clinic must be part of the provider network specified in the health sharing program documentation, and the member is subject to a 60-day waiting period prior to requesting medical sharing.At USHealthShare, we offer many different programs to closely match the needs and budget of each member. Get in touch with a representative from USHealthShare today to discover which program works best for you. Health sharing saves money.
