Deloitte predicts growth of retail clinics market

WASHINGTON Consumer adoption of retail-based health clinics is strong and growing, and the industry's potential to expand its revenue opportunities will support its long-term sustainability, according to a recent Deloitte Center for Health Solutions report.

"The growth and evolution of retail clinics reflect opportunities for disruptive innovation and an improved value proposition of price, quality and service for the U.S. healthcare system," stated Paul Keckley, Ph.D., executive director of Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. "While the current economic downturn has incited a period of contraction, the retail clinic industry will emerge with a more refined business model to drive a second, albeit slower, wave of growth in the next three years."

According to the report, titled "Retail Clinics: Update and Implications," the retail clinic market growth will be 10% to 15% from 2010 through 2012 and will accelerate above 30% from 2013 to 2014.

Looking ahead, the market potential for retail clinics remains strongest in retail pharmacies. Within 10,000 retail pharmacies, there are currently 801 clinic locations. There are also expansion opportunities within big-box discount stores and grocery outlets.

Furthermore, the business model is also bound to evolve. Core services at retail clinics typically include treatment for acute ailments, preventative health screenings, prescriptions and OTC therapeutics; however, the model is capable of supporting two additional revenue streams, according to Deloitte:

• Core extenders including medication management, health coaching for chronic issues and employee wellness.
• New revenue programs such as care management services for chronic issues; referral management services for acute, specialty or OTC issues; and health insurance for individuals or groups.

While the industry does face a few challenges, namely labor shortages, compensation inflation, price pressures from new entrants and some regulatory pressures at the state level, its strong value proposition should not be underestimated.

"As a new entrant to the healthcare industry, retail clinics represent a threat to many traditional healthcare stakeholders," stated Keckley. "However, to consumers, health plans and employers, retail clinics offer an important health care alternative with a strong value proposition. Therefore, we expect this new sector to mature while growing its scope of services, location and impact on population-based health status."