United States: In the United States, the majority of older individuals prefer ‘doc-in-a-box’ strip mall clinics and urgent care centers as their first choice for immediate medical relief.
Further Details
More than 60 percent of seniors with ages from 50 to 80 have chosen for an urgent care center or a retail health clinic in the past two years, even though these options were not prevalent earlier in their lives.
Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, director of the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, said, “The rapid rise in availability of these kinds of clinics, which typically offer walk-in convenience, expanded hours and self-scheduling of appointments in locations close to home, work or shopping, has transformed the American health care landscape in less than two decades,” as US News reported.
Urgent care centers are the most popular choice for medical assistance among seniors and middle-aged individuals; among them, 47% visited at least once, while 23 percent visited more than once in the past two years.
Additionally, 28 percent visited a retail health clinic, which is a same-day office located in a strip mall, workplace, or vehicle.
The poll also revealed that about 75 percent of those who chose an alternative clinic are likely to go there again within the next two years.
Furthermore, 43 percent of those who did not receive medical care from alternative clinic options expressed intent to visit within the next two years.
The poll conducted online and via telephone, took place in July and August 2023. It involved 2,657 adults aged 50 to 80, as reported by US News.
Preference for Quality Care at Primary Care Facilities
Most older adults with primary care physicians still prioritize the overall quality of care and personal connections at their regular clinics.
According to survey results, nearly 52 percent valued the quality of care at their regular clinic twice as much as at an alternative clinic, and 67 percent felt strongly connected to their primary care providers.
Approximately 52 percent of patients who visited alternative clinics affirmed receiving excellent care from their regular doctor, and 67% felt connected to their primary care doctor.
However, 43 percent stated that the alternative clinic was more convenient than their usual provider.
Kullgren, in a Michigan press release, stated, “With the nationwide shortage of primary care providers, it’s important to understand how this age group, with generally higher medical needs, views and uses this type of care,” as US News reported.
Susan Reinhard, senior vice president and director of AARP Public Policy Institute, said, “Access to timely and convenient care was critical for older adults during the pandemic, and our research shows alternative care options will continue to be in demand for the long-term.”