Retail Based Clinics* vs. the Pediatric Office
Myth:
It IS convenient to just drop my child to be checked while shopping.
Fact:
Most pediatricians have office hours which are convenient and will make same day appointments
for a child who is ill. The mission of a pediatrician's practice is t0 deliver quality care in a timely
manner to all of his/her patients.
Myth:
It is OK to use the retail clinic for minor illnesses.
Fact:
It actually requires a great deal of expertise and experience in treating children to accurately diagnose
and treat even minor illnesses. Pneumonia, dehydration and MRSA, all start with "minor" illnesses.
Practitioners in retail clinics lack the experience and training to consistently recognize these
complications of minor illnesses.
Myth:
I just want an antibiotic for my child.
Fact:
The false notion that antibiotics can cure viral illnesses has been perpetuated by some of
these retail based clinics. We have seen practitioners prescribe antibiotics without any
justification. More serious are the cases where the diagnosis was made but the wrong
antibiotic at the wrong dose was prescribed.
Myth:
It will cost less.
Fact:
Some insurance plans add incentives for parents to take their children to retail based
clinics by charging lower co-pays.We have seen first-hand that parents end up paying
even more in the long run. Consider the cost of antibiotics prescribed which were not
needed. Often very expensive medications are prescribed when a less expensive and
equally effective medication should have been used. Many of the visits to the retail based
clinics require a follow up with us, which means another co-pay.
Myth:
It doesn't matter who does my child's sports or school physical, I just need to have the form filled out.
Fact:
The physical examination performed by your pediatrician is far superior to any performed
at a retail based clinic. Findings on the physical exam such as murmurs, (innocent,
pathologic) scoliosis, physical deficits etc. are much easier for a pediatrician to accurately
diagnose. The counseling provided during these exams is equally important to the physical
and mental well-being of your child. Your pediatrician knows you and knows your child
and is the best person to perform physical exams on your child.
(Copied from newsletter from Kentucky Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
Additional facts:
· Retail clinics are not authorized to complete the medication form that comes
with sports exam forms.
· Retail clinics do not have your child's immunization history. They also do
not carry many of the vaccines that are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
*Retail based clinics e.g. the Little Clinic at Kroger or the Take Care Clinic at Walgreens
