Retail Clinics and Technology Changing Relationships Between Doctors and Patients

A recent article from the Associated Press explained how retail clinics and technology are changing the doctor-patient relationship. More Americans are insured than ever before and the insured-American is becoming a savvy and informed consumer. They “are opting for [retail] clinics over doctor's offices, and many will soon start wondering why they even need to leave the house when smartphone apps let them chat live with a physician.”

The article states that “a shortage of primary care physicians and emerging alternatives such as retail clinics and smartphone apps are clouding the once-simple doctor-patient relationship, which for generations has served as the gateway to the U.S. health care system.”

Visits to retail clinics or in real-time via their phones are more convenient and cost less than a visit to a primary care provider and Americans are noticing.

Learn more:Original Article

Photo Credit: Convenient Care Association: http://www.ccaclinics.org/