Pediatricians speak out against retail-based clinics

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued the following policy statement opposing the use of retail-based clinics located in supermarkets, pharmacies, and large retail stores: "These clinics do not support AAP's commitment to the medical home model that provides accessible, family-centered, comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective care for which the pediatrician shares responsibility with the family." The academy is particularly concerned with the following aspects of care: fragmentation and possible lower quality of care, care for children with special health needs, lack of access to a central health record, use of tests and diagnoses without proper follow-up, and public health issues surrounding exposure to contagious diseases in a retail environment.

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