Medical Check Ups Next to Grocery Check Out
Medical Check Ups Next to Grocery Check Out Save Email Print
Lincoln
Posted: 1:20 PM Nov 30, 2008
Last Updated: 7:12 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.

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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.

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.

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!

Posted by: Sally on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:31 AM
You are ignorant if you think that sick people aren't already inside those grocery stores....they are there anyway. Do you stay at home when you have a cold, or do you continue to go to work, shop for groceries, etc? I don't know too many people that stay at home anymore! These clinics are great and the service is provided by highly qualified Nurse practitioners. I have been there and was very impressed with the care--I think it was better than some care I've received from my doctor's office. I even got a follow up call to see how I was doing--never had that from my doctor!! I will definitely use these clinics again. When you're not feeling well, you want a place where you can go in and be out quickly. If I need a prescription filled, I can do that without making another stop. With a sick kid, that is priceless! Get over the fact that sick people are coming into a grocery store--they are everywhere! Use hand sanitizer and wipe down your carts!

Posted by: Steve Location: Lincoln on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:31 AM
Their has been pharmacy's in grocery stores for years. Don't sick people go to pharmacy's to get their medication? It's no different. I think it's great. I have used it and I love it. It's fast, The NP's are what you usually see in the Doctor's office anyway. Anyone who thinks sick people are not the grocery store anyway are not thinking clearly. I support them.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: NEBRASKA on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:25 PM
What about LinCare? Are they still around? I read in a magazine that it is not a good idea to take your kids to a "grocery store" doctor because they do not have the history of the patient and may prescibe something that is a lower dose than what was just finished. (if your child hasn't quite beat the bug yet)

Posted by: Jack Location: Lincoln on Dec 1, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Doctors office at a store. What are they thinking!!!! This is why so many people are getting sick! Lets go to the store so we can be sick in a few days! Not to smart!

Posted by: Sue Location: Lincoln on Dec 1, 2008 at 01:18 PM
no no no no no no no no no Baaaaaaaaaad idea!

Posted by: Linda Location: Lincoln on Dec 1, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I agree with Mary and anonymous. I will not go there anymore. Someone with strep or any kind of infection in the grocery with all the concern over "healthy" these days. Oh, please.

Posted by: Scott on Dec 1, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I agree 100% that this is a bad idea. But really think about this, yes having a clinic in a grocery store will probably bring in sick people that would not normally shop there, but all of the food is packaged and the ones that are not should be washed before you eat it anyway. These "sick people" are already walking around the store shopping and no one seems to care about that. What happens when you feel a little under the weather, I bet you still go shopping.

Posted by: Lindsey Location: Lincoln on Dec 1, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I think having the clinic is great! I have two small children and when I can't get them into their dr. or they get sick on the weekend, it's nice to be able to go there. As far as being in the store with sick people, there are probably more sick people shopping in the store that need to go to the clinic then are comming into the clinc which by the way has it's own office and is right by the front door. I think it's great and the Nurses are absoultely great!

Posted by: Mary Location: Lincoln on Nov 30, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Good way to get the whole community sick. having a doctors office at a grocery store. I will not be going to that store anymore!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lincoln on Nov 30, 2008 at 07:47 PM
The thought of an urgent care clinic in a grocery store disgusts me. I would not shop at a grocery store where there could be potentially sick people hacking on my food. Why would I want to expose myself nonetheless the food I want to eat to the potential germs? Not a great idea in my book

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