Jun 26 2007
The American Medical Association (AMA) has raised questions about the service offered by in-store health clinics.
The AMA wants such clinics investigated by state and federal officials on the grounds that they present a conflict of interest that may put patients at risk of being misdiagnosed.
In-store health clinics are found in CVS/Caremark, Wal-mart and Walgreen stores across the country and the current number of over 200 is expected to rise to 1000 by the end of the year.
The AMA opposes the clinics and more than 550 AMA delegates voted to adopt the position at an annual meeting in Chicago.
The AMA says there is a conflict of interest because the clinics dispense prescriptions and also sell prescription drugs.
The AMA also says they do not encourage the appropriate doctor-patient relationship or offer comprehensive care and possibly put patients in danger.
According to the AMA, such clinics may misdiagnose a patients condition.
Retail clinic operators are concerned about the stand taken by the AMA and say it will make it more difficult to open new clinics, which will in turn decrease patient access to medical attention when many parts of the United States are experiencing a shortage of doctors.