Health care rapidly changing
A series of new developments in health care have the potential to drastically alter health law as well. The Detroit News ran a story (9/11/05) about a telephone service run out of Dallas that allows patients to get a diagnosis and prescription over the phone from a doctor they will never see. Today the Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana ran an article titled, “Valparaiso Wal-Mart to add clinic.”
As Porter hospital worries about new hospitals and competition within the county, it may soon have a mega rival in Wal-Mart.
If you have a case of the sniffles while you’re shopping in the Valparaiso Wal-Mart – or if you need a flu shot – first aid and vaccinations will soon be near the check-out aisles in the form of a walk-in clinic manned by a nurse practitioner.
The Valparaiso Wal-Mart will be partnering with Memorial Hospital and Health System of South Bend to provide so-called “minute clinics” for customers or walk-in patients who have some minor illness symptoms.
Wal-Mart is not alone. Earlier this week Inside INdiana Business reported, “Health Care Centers to Open in Central Indiana CVS Stores.” Earlier in September the Daily Journal of Johnson County reported that “CVS prepares to offer in-store health care.” CVS will open seven “MinuteClinics” in the Indianapolis area alone.
