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Wal-Mart can be good for your health
The medical establishment is opposed to drop-in clinics in Wal-Marts and other retail stores. But self-interested doctors need to get over their archaic ways of doing business.
By Rahul K. Parikh, M.D. [2008-02-19]

  • Seeing the other side of things

    I believe that quick medical clinics only work if you have a regular primary care physician who looks after you and is aware of all the treatments you are recieving at these 'quick' clinics.

    An important part of medical practice is seeing the total picture. If you go to a different doctor everytime you develop a symptom, you may be missing the bigger portrait of symptoms that you have. If you go to a different doctor everytime you need a routine mediciation (birth control, flu shot, antibiotics) you may end up with some nasty interactions. Not to mention, these clincs don't have your complete medical history or a list of what you're allergic to.

    With wal-mart you get what you pay for. And to go with the mechanic anology of an above poster -- I'm more than happy taking my bomb of a car to jiffy lube instead of the dealership for an oil change. I'm NOT so happy taking my BODY (of which I only get one) to the jiffy-lube of doctors.

    For flu shots and checking my blood pressure, I wouldn't mind a walk-in clinic, but anything else, I'll go to a real doctor thanks.

    -- Rowyna
    [Read Rowyna's other letters]
    Monday, February 18, 2008 07:16 PM
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