HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that while retail quick-care clinics are growing in popularity across the country, they haven't taken off in the Dayton, Ohio, market at the same rate.
According to a recent Dayton Market Overview, Dayton-area physicians with Premier HealthNet are filling the market's void by partnering with the Kroger grocery store chain to open Premier ExpressCare clinics throughout the area.
“Because primary care physicians are often competing with these retail clinics for patients, it makes sense that these doctors are entering the convenience-care market to diminish losses in their patient population,” said Christian Bottorff, market analyst with HealthLeaders-InterStudy. “We're also seeing this trend take off in markets like Des Moines (Iowa) and Scranton (Pa.)."
According to a recent study, retail clinics have a sizeable presence in Cleveland, where the economic downturn and the general shift toward consumer-driven health plans has created a favorable environment for quick-care outlets. As retail clinics gain traction and competition for patients increases, physician groups in Cleveland may be forced to consolidate or join health systems.
"While retail quick-care clinics continue to grow across the board, the situations in Dayton and Cleveland demonstrate that how they grow and the impact they have may differ from market to market," said Carolyn McMeekin, director of Market Overview analysis.