Medical Check Ups Next to Grocery Check Out
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Updated: 7:12 PM Nov 30, 2008
Medical Check Ups Next to Grocery Check Out
Lincoln
Clinics in retail and grocery stores have been popping up across the country over the last few years. Now Lincoln is starting to see the trend pick up steam.
Posted: 1:20 PM Nov 30, 2008
Reporter: Keller Russell
Email Address: Keller.Russell@kolnkgin.com
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Paying for your groceries and visiting a clinic all in one stop. It's a convenience some Supersaver shoppers didn't know they had.

"I wasn't aware of it," said a Supersaver shopper. "I just saw it this morning when I came in."

Along with your favorite cereal, the grocery store chain houses an express health care clinic at two of its Lincoln locations.

"The idea behind these kinds of clinics is that they fill a gap that isn't currently being served by the medical community," said Nurse Practitioner Kathie Smith.

A gap in service on weekends and holidays. But just how much help can you get from a check-up near a checkout?

"We have a limited scope in terms of what we do," Smith said. "We're not trying to take the place of the primary care physician at all."

What registered nurse practitioners like smith can do for you, is take care of minor illnesses.

"We are just trying to fill a need and see patients that can be taken care of in one visit," Smith said.

Things the nurse practitioner you can take care of with a prescription
like strep throat, bronchitis and rashes.

Dr. Dale Michels understands patients craving for convenience.

"I understand why they're there," Michels said. "It's quick. It's an easy in, easy out."

But Michels said he's concerned about the lack of continuity in your health care with quick fix clinics.

"The interest is in getting good care to patients getting continuity of care, getting followup and that's probably where I have the most concern rather than that you're going to get treated poorly," Michels said.

The clinics accept all types of insurance as well as Medicaid patients and don't require an appointment.

If you don't have insurance, you can also pay with cash, check or credit.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Connie Location: Lincoln on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:22 PM

I'm a NP and have done a great deal of research in regard to this topic and I can assure you they are completely safe and very cost effective. These clinics take a lot of time with their patients and they follow national guidelines for all care given. They do get history on all patients and do not write prescriptions without knowing exactly what the patient is on and what medications are compatible. They are very versed in antibiotics and resistance and do practice the correct way to dose in regard to all medications. They have protocols they are designed for the patients safety. Just like everything, all consumers should do research in regard to a product before you decide to utilize it or offer bad comments about it.
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Posted by: Someone without insurance Location: Nebraska on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:16 PM

It is a free world and everyone has an opinion as to how they want to handle their own health care. The retail clinics sound like they are a little more cost effective and convenient, and that is what people are looking for.
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Posted by: Jill Location: Lincoln on Dec 3, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion in regard to bringing sick people into grocery stores. The fact is people are in grocery stores more than drug stores when they are sick looking for over the counter products. The products are ususally cheaper in large retail stores verses small drug stores. You have no idea who is sick and is in a store and that is not going to stop if you have a clinic or not. These clinics do a comprehensive assessment on patients that are seen and by the time they are done they know exactly what medications the patient is on and what their medical history is. I went to one of the clinics and I thought they were more complete than at the doctors office. They also asked my permission to send a letter of the entire visit to my doctor of which I said yes. Give them a chance you might be surprised!
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