Jun. 12--Walgreens confirmed it will open three Take Care Health Clinics in Wichita by the end of July, with another two slated to open by the end of the year.
The drugstore giant becomes the first national retailer to bring its in-store, walk-in clinics to the Wichita market, beating out other retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Target, which are launching similar clinics in other states.
"We are so excited to come into Wichita," said Diana Graves, Walgreens' assistant lead nurse practitioner.
"Take Care clinics are about accessibility. Rather than going to the emergency room, or if your physician's office is full that day... rather than waiting a couple of days when you're not feeling well."
Walgreens operates 173 clinics in 14 states and plans to have 400 open by the end of 2008, Graves said.
The clinics -- which are open on weekends and holidays -- offer medical treatment by an advanced nurse practitioner who is authorized to diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries, such as ear infections and bronchitis, officials said.
The clinics also will provide diagnostic testing, vaccinations and physicals. Each site will employ two full-time nurse practitioners and one part-time, Graves said.
While the clinics promise convenience, accessibility and affordability -- cash-paying customers will typically spend $59 to $74 a visit, and most insurance is accepted -- some Wichita doctors are concerned the clinics will impede a patient's continuity of care and potentially jeopardize health management.
"The advent of these walk-in clinics could have the potential of changing how health care is perceived in the community," said Jon Rosell, executive director of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County.
"From our perspective, we think it's crucial everyone have a medical home. And whether these walk-in clinics meet that need, we're not sure."
Walgreens, however, says it does. On TakeCareHealth.com, officials explain that "a Take Care Health Center is not meant to be your medical home. That's why you can count on us to work with your primary care provider if necessary for follow-up care."
A resolution drafted by the county medical society was adopted last month by the Kansas Medical Society. It will assign a task force to look at the proliferation of retail health care clinics and make policy recommendations.
Among other things, the resolution expresses concern about the lack of physician oversight -- which Walgreens said it addresses by teaming with local physicians -- and information privacy. Walgreens said its patient data is kept on an electronic health records system.
"This isn't going to help the health care system rein in costs," said Kansas Medical Society president-elect and Wichita family physician Joe Davison. "In Joe Davison's perfect world, there should never be retail health clinics like that. It should be part and parcel of a primary care doctor's office."
Walgreens has estimated that as much as 30 percent of its Take Care patients are referred to primary care doctors, and officials said they work with physicians in every market to establish a referral list.
Reach Andi Atwater at 316-268-6642 or aatwater@wichitaeagle.com.
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