Physicians' Services Now Available in Duane Reade

[pricedout]

I'm all for accessible and affordable health care, but the fact that Duane Reade and the doctors working for Duane Reade find this financially viable is kind of disturbing.

It's become abundantly clear that the best medical care is often only available to those few with superb insurance plans, or in some instances, with lots of available cash (the increasing trend of doctors to limit insurance plans accepted, or refuse patients unless they pay upfront).

On one level I guess this sort of corner drugstore doctor could provide simple services to patients who wouldn't otherwise get care (NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!!!), but which doctors are going to be willing to work under such conditions? And if this becomes an increasing trend in health care, what does this portend for the future of our medical care industry in general?

[lofter1]

You might want to ask for some documentation of the so-called Doctor's license for those who are treating patients from behind the counter at the local Duane Reade -- and find out what kind of responsibility / liability as your health care provider is agreed to by that guy or gal with the stethoscope.

My gut tells me thiat this is really a way for Duane Reade to sell more Rx -- and DR prices for Rx are NOT cheap.