Convenient care clinics (CCCs) are health care clinics located in retail stores, supermarkets and pharmacies that treat routine family illnesses and provide preventative health care services. They are sometimes referred to as “retail-based clinics” or "walk-in medical clinics." CCCs are usually staffed by nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs). Some CCCs, however, are staffed by physicians.
Contents |
Overview
Currently, there are over 400 CCCs located throughout the United States. [1] Most CCCs are open seven days a week – twelve hours a day during the workweek and eight hours a day on the weekend. [2] Because CCCs are such a new development, only a small percentage of Americans have received health care in a CCC setting. [3] It is estimated, however, that the number of CCCs will increase dramatically in the near future. [4]
Services Provided
Most CCCs treat adults and children over the age of 18 months. CCCs treat common family illnesses, such as:
- Cold and Flu
- Sinus Infections
- Allergies
- Minor Burns and Rashes
- Pinkeye
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Head Lice
- Ringworm
- Warts
- Sprains and Strains
- Bronchitis
- Ear Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections
CCCs also provide preventative care, including health screenings, vaccinations, and physical exams.
By definition, CCCs offer a more narrow range of services (usually limited to 25 - 30 of the most common diagnoses) than are offered in traditional primary care offices. [5] This limited scope of services is seen in both nurse practitioner and physician-staffed CCCs, and is an integral part of the CCC model. [6]
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in Convenient Care Clinics
CCCs are usually staffed by Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or other advanced practice nurses. [7] Some CCCs are staffed by Physician Assistants (PAs). [8]
Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education and training who provide a broad scope of health care services. NPs engage in health promotion, patient evaluation, treatment, diagnosis, education, counseling, case management and coordination of care. Studies have shown that patients of advanced practice nurses have similar outcomes to patients of primary care physicians. [9]
Physician Assistants are skilled health care professionals licensed to practice medicine under physician supervision. [10] With appropriate training and supervision, PAs can provide health care that is similar in quality to that of a primary care physician. [11]
Notes
- ^ M. Chandler, “Medical Care and Shampoo: Clinics In Stores Bring Doctors to the People” San Jose Mercury News, Jaunuary 6, 2007. [1]
- ^ Convenient Care Association, “CCC Factsheet.”[2]
- ^ California Health Care Foundation, “Health Care in the Express Lane: The Emergence of Retail Clinics." [3]
- ^ Kaiser Family Foundation, Daily Report, August 24, 2006. [4]
- ^ W. Crounse, Microsoft and Health, "Healthcare goes retail," June 28, 2006.[5]
- ^ QuickHealth, "QuickHealth FAQ." [6]
- ^ Convenient Care Association, “Home Page.” [7]
- ^ Convenient Care Association, “About Physician Assistants.” [8]
- ^ Mundinger, M., “Primary Care Outcomes in Patients Treated by Nurse Practitioners or Physicians,” JAMA, January 2000.
- ^ American Academy of Physician Assistants, “What is a PA?” [9]
- ^ E. Sekscenski, et al., “State practice environments and the supply of physician assistants, nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives,” New England Journal of Medicine, 1994.
References
External links
- California Health Care Foundation - “Health Care in the Express Lane: The Emergence of Retail Clinics”
- USA Today - “Could Walk-In Clinics Help Slow Rising Health Care Costs?”
- KaiserNetwork.org - “Thousands More Retail-Based Clinics Expected to Open”
- ABC News - "Future of Health Care or Quick Fix?"
- Medscape - "Working in a Retail Clinic: What Nurse Practitioners Need to Ask"
- The New York Times Magazine: "The Year In Ideas: Walk-In Health Care"
- National Post (Canada) - "Attention Shoppers: Flu Shots in Aisle 3"
- Healthcare 311 - Dynamic map of US retail clinics, with edited links to latest news on this emerging mode of health care delivery
See also
Advanced Practice Nurse Nurse Practitioner Physician Physician Assistant
