This study examined retail health clinics in the U.S., finding that, as of August 2008, 42 operators ran 982 clinics in 33 states with 84 percent of clinics located in urban areas.  The study found that all clinics offered sore throat treatment and at least 95 percent offered treatment of skin conditions, immunizations, pregnancy testing, and lipid or diabetes screening.  In addition, the study found that 97 percent accepted private insurance and 93 percent accepted Medicare fee-for-servce (FFS).  The authors conclude that retail health clinics are “well positioned to provide immunizations and care for simple acute conditions for a substantial segment of the urban U.S."

Rudavsky, R., Pollack, C. E., Mehrota, A. (2009). The Geographic distribution, ownership, prices, and scope of practice at retail clinics. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(5): 315-320. http://www.annals.org/content/151/5/315.abstract 

Authors: Rena Rudavsky, Craig Evan Pollack, Ateev Mehrotra.