Physicians' reactions to the arrival of retail clinics in their communities is varied but largely negative.

These are the walk-in convenience clinics affiliated with large stores and pharmacy chains such as Walmart and CVS Pharmacies. I've examined the trends in prior posts here and here.

Now, in one of the most balanced and factual articles I've seen in a while, comes another piece detailing the potential impact of these walk-in health clinics.

Retail Clinics Can Be a Valuable Source Partner by Erin Callahan, writing for Medical Staff Briefing of HCPro, takes the stand that there's plenty of room for all in our crumbling healthcare system that is failing the less well-insured, as well as those whose time is too precious to sit on waiting lists or in waiting rooms.

The article gives an overview of the history of the retail clinics, as well as a peek into the dramatic future. It also outlines the many forces shaping the trend, such as a primary care physician shortage, and consumers picking up more and more of the healthcare tab.

The author reiterates one of my themes - what are the opportunities that this trend presents for the entrepreneurial, marketing-savvy, skilled networker physician?

In my opinion, defending against the inevitable explosion of clinics is like trying to push back the winds that precede the arrival of one of this season's hurricanes!

What's your opinion?