New publication for convenient care clinicians to launch in 2022
EnsembleIQ, the publisher of Drug Store News, announces the upcoming launch of Convenient Care Clinician, a publication targeted to the frontline health care providers working in retail health settings.
As the official communication partner of the Convenient Care Association and the only publication serving this industry, Convenient Care Clinician will launch a website and weekly e-newsletter in January 2022 and a print publication in March of the same year.
Drug Store News talked with Convenient Care Clinician’s Executive Editor, Carrie Adkins-Ali, about the idea behind the new print and digital brand and what subscribers can expect.
Drug Store News: Who is Convenient Care Clinician intended to serve?
Carrie Adkins-Ali: There are more than 3,300 retail health clinics in the Unites States, Canada and Mexico, and those numbers are expected to rise rapidly. Convenient care clinics offer acute care, preventive services, chronic health management and mental health. The print and digital editions of Convenient Care Clinician will support this growing industry by providing the latest clinical information, practice management guidance, product updates and industry news.
DSN: Why has this become an important audience today?
CAA: Convenient care represents the future of the health care industry. It offers convenience for patients, lower costs for payors and patients alike and access to a range of services in even the most rural locations. Convenient care makes sure patients get the right level of care in the right place at the right time.
[Read More: CVS Health to capitalize on opportunities to make health care convenient]
DSN: Who are some of the voices that will be represented?
CAA: The largest player in retail health is CVS, with approximately 1,067 Minute Clinics inside of select CVS and Target stores in 36 states. CVS is expanding its Health Hub concept and planning on adding another 1,500 clinics over the next two years. Convenient Care Clinician’s editorial advisory board includes two CVS representatives: Angela Patterson, DNP, vice president and chief nurse practitioner officer, and Kristene Diggins, DNP, FAANP, MBA, CNE, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer.
Kroger Health offers The Little Clinic, which has 221 clinics in nine states. Kroger Chief Medical Officer Mark R. Watkins, MD, and Chief Nursing Officer and National Health and Wellness Clinical Director Meggen Brown MSN, FNP-BC also serve on the Convenient Care Clinician editorial board.
Other retail health players include Walgreens Boot Alliance, which houses 424 clinics run by VillageMD, and Walmart, with 35 clinics in 11 states.
DSN: Why is convenient care becoming the future of health care?
CAA: A national study found that retail-based clinics are 30-80% less expensive than other providers, including emergency rooms, urgent care centers and primary care physician practices, says Nate Bronstein, MSEd, MPA, MSSP, chief operating officer of the Convenient Care Association and editorial advisory board member for Convenient Care Clinician.
A large part of the savings comes from using advanced practice nurses to provide care. Studies have shown that nurse practitioners and physician assistants provide care that is comparable to that provided by a physician.
Convenient care clinics accept most insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, but they’re a good option for the uninsured as well. They offer low-cost, up-front pricing with no surprises.
[Read More: Care and convenience: Supermarket pharmacies cement themselves as health destinations]
DSN: Are there other reasons besides cost?
CAA: Most clinics are open every day, including extended weekday and weekend hours, and many holidays. Appointments are not necessary, but patients can self-schedule online.
I’m an enthusiastic convenient care customer. If I need a flu shot, a check-up for a sore throat or a quick well visit, I can run to a convenient clinic on my lunch break and not worry about waiting weeks to see a doctor or spend an hour sitting in a germy waiting room.
These clinics also provide care to patients who live in rural or medically underserved areas.
In fact, Walgreens Boot Alliance recently announced that half of the 1,000 new clinics it is planning on opening by 2027 will be in medically underserved communities, according to Roz Brewer, CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance.
DSN: What role will convenient care play in the future of health care?
CAA: By 2028, the retail healthcare market is expected to become an $8 billion business, and retail health clinics that began as primary care settings are increasingly offering broader services, such as mental health, radiology and lab work.
Convenient Care Clinician will be there every step of the way to support our health care heroes and ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it.
Subscribe to the newsletter, launching in January, and the magazine, launching in March.