Study shows allowing nurse practitioners to practice independently increases health care cost savings realized through retail clinics.
Retail clinics (also called convenient care clinics) are an increasingly popular option for people who need diagnosis and treatment for common, non-life-threatening conditions. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are the primary care providers in these clinics, which are located in a range of settings, including pharmacies, grocery stores and “big box” stores. First established in 2000, there are now more than 1,200 retail clinics nationwide. Research shows that they provide quality health care and reduce health care costs. A new study shows that they can further reduce costs when NPs are allowed to practice independently, potentially by nearly $472 million or more in 2015. ... |