AAP Strongly Opposes the Use of Retail-based Clinics

Article at a Glance

• Pediatricians are better able to treat children because they are specially trained in child health issues.
• According to the AAP, retail-based clinics provide fragmented healthcare and do not support the medical home.
• Retail-based clinics do not provide the same continuity of care as a primary care pediatrician who is aware of current medications, past health problems, and any special situations in your home.

With the number of retail-based health clinics increasing, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently reemphasized it’s stance against their use for primary pediatric care. The AAP says that retail-based clinics “fragment children’s health care and do not support the medical home.”

Why a Medical Home is Important
The AAP uses the medical home model as the standard for the care of children. It is an approach to health care that works to coordinate all medical and non-medical care, including any medical history.

Your child meets with the same primary pediatrician who is aware of current medications, past health problems, and any special situations in your home. You will also have developed a relationship with your pediatrician that will allow you and your child to feel comfortable sharing information and asking questions. If any special care is needed, your pediatrician will develop a plan of care unique to your child and will then coordinate it with other healthcare professionals or specialists as needed.

A medical home focuses on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, which gives patients better access to healthcare, improves preventative care, and contributes to the overall health of the patient. Retail-based clinics do not provide the same continuity of care or the same level of follow through.

Why Seeing a Pediatrician is Important
The AAP also notes that pediatricians are better able to treat children because they are specially trained in child health issues. Often a health problem or symptom might be related to a more serious condition that can be overlooked by somebody who is unfamiliar with the patient or with treating children.

The AAP also encouraged pediatricians to offer more accessible hours and urgent care to make it easier for families to see their pediatrician’s office in the case of an emergency.

For More Information:

AAP-Best Care for Children Remains at the Pediatricians Office

AAP Principles Concerning Retail-Based Clinics (AAP)