One-third of older adults report visiting retail clinics as stores expand health options

A new survey from the University of Michigan found that 28% percent of adults aged 50–80 reported visiting a health clinic located inside a retail location, such as a supermarket, pharmacy, or department store, over the past two years.

The university said the numbers reflect a growing interest in alternative health care options, including urgent care facilities, work clinics, and mobile clinics.

“The rapid rise in availability of these kinds of clinics, which typically offer walk-in convenience, expanded hours, and self-scheduling of appointments in locations close to home, work, or shopping, has transformed the American health care landscape in less than two decades,” poll director Jeffrey Kullgren said in a statement.

Retailers’ role in this “rapid rise” was evident this week when Walmart announced that it plans to open 18 new Walmart Health centers in Texas this year. The clinics, located beside Walmart Supercenters, offer a mix of primary care, dental, behavioral health, and other services. The retail giant marked the opening of its 50th Walmart Health location this week.

“With the population of Texas continuing to grow, these Walmart Health centers will help address the demand for easy to access care for all seniors and their families,” David Carmouche, SVP of healthcare delivery at Walmart, said in a statement.

In addition, Costco earlier this month announced that it would begin offering a weight-loss management program to members through its healthcare marketplace, Sesame, and Amazon continues to add new health care clinics following its acquisition last year of One Medical.

The University of Michigan’s research suggests that demand for these kinds of alternative health options, including retail clinics, “will continue to be in demand for the long-term,” Susan Reinhard, SVP and director of AARP Public Policy Institute, said in a statement.