AMA to seek regulation of retail health clinics

By Julie Steenhuysen

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The American Medical Association said on Monday it will ask state and federal health authorities to investigate retail health clinics such as those offered in CVS/Caremark stores, Wal-Mart Stores and Walgreen Co. for possible conflicts of interest.

The AMA said it opposes the clinics, which they said do not offer comprehensive care and might put patients at risk.

"Our concerns are very simple: safety and patient care," said Dr. Rodney Osborn, president of the Illinois State Medical Society, who practices in Peoria, Illinois.

In 2006, there were more than 200 store-based health clinics nationwide, according to the AMA, and another 1,000 such health clinics are projected by the end of 2007.

The influential physician's group said it will support legislation governing "the corporate practice of medicine and the standards by which nurse practitioners and physician assistants are allowed to practice."

The AMA's more than 550 delegates voted to adopt the position at its annual meeting in Chicago.

The AMA said the clinics disrupt the standard physician-patient relationship and might result in missed diagnoses.

"We are certainly concerned about the action of the AMA," said Dr. Rebecca Hafner, a spokeswoman for retail clinic operator MinuteClinic, which was acquired by CVS last year.