Will Walmart Health host your next doctor's appointment?
Walmart just launched something pivotal that might pave the way for a new healthcare delivery system. They recently launched a new healthcare clinic called Walmart Health in Dallas, Georgia.
This 10,000 square foot facility (large enough to accommodate a lot of patients) connects to the main Walmart store. It has a separate entrance to give privacy to patients coming in for a checkup.
Patients can easily access whatever health problems they need in this all-in-one health clinic. And if it becomes a success, it might expand into home healthcare services. Or even mobile units that offer specialty services like dermatology or women's health care. They expect the clinic to expand to meet the needs of baby boomers, Generation X, millennials and generations to come.
If Walmart offers home healthcare, this could change the way we receive Medicare-related services.
Although Walmart has previously opened clinics in its retail locations in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia, this new facility differs as it caters to Primary Care and mental health. It also offers dental and vision care, hearing, x-rays, health education, and wellness programs, among other services. Patients can set up appointments through their website, Walmarthealth.com. However, if you're nearby and feel the need to have a checkup, they also accept walk-ins.
Health Care Costs Inside the Walmart Clinic
The Walmart health clinic offers a low, holistic, affordable pricing, providing great accessibility to everyone, but still delivers high-quality care patients deserve. Insured or uninsured, they provide transparent pricing for everyone.
|
Medicare Services and Prices |
|
|
Office Visit |
$40 |
|
Annual Checkup |
$30 (Adult) / $20 (Youth) |
|
Chronic Condition |
$40 (New of Returning Patient) |
|
DOT Physical |
$65 |
|
Medicare Wellness Visit |
$60 |
|
Pre-Employment Physical |
$30 |
|
Sick or Injury Visit |
$40 (New or Returning Patient) |
|
Sports, School or Camp Physical |
$23.37 |
|
TB Screening |
$6.91 |
|
Lipid Test |
$10 |
|
A1C Test |
$10 |
|
Pregnancy Test |
$10 |
|
Stitches (Average price, cost varies case-by-case) |
$115.64 |
These prices are the estimated prices shown on their website and in this PDF
|
Counseling Services |
|
|
New Patient Therapy Intake (60 minutes) |
$60 |
|
Individual Counseling, Existing Patient (45 minutes) |
$45 |
For pet lovers, they also care for your pet's health with services that include immunizations for as low as $25. They also accept many of the large health insurance and traditional Medicare.
Walmart Health Care Clinic Staff
The new health clinic is staffed with doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists, optometrists, and behavioral health providers. Walmart Health hosts and community health workers are on hand to help clients navigate their visit and assist with services and resources. You can bundle your services too, in order for them to take care of several needs during the visit.
What Will It Hold in the Future
Health care is a big issue in our country. Walmart Health has affordable pricing that other competitors cannot bring to the market. With its price transparency, you'll know exactly what you're paying for. Will Medicare beneficiaries flock to Walmart Health? You tell me.
Let me know in the comments below if you are looking forward to a Walmart Health near you.
I think it’s great for everyone!! A1c is expensive and not included as part of wellness physical unless you’re diabetic. I’m on the borderline and Medicare won’t pay as part of a yearly physical bloodwork. And, of course, great when you can’t see your doctor for a month and need immediate attention. I wish they would come to southern Cal. I’m sure this won’t happen for a while. 🙁
I probably would not use it, but I think it’s great. Might help many thousands of people that can’t afford health care, and it would be awesome if it kept patients from going to and over whelming the ER’s with non-urgent, routine illnesses. I bet 75% of ER”S business is from people that should not be in an ER at all. This would hopefully give them better options and leave the ER’s for urgent problems.