Retail Healthcare News

Wal-Mart had no prior notice, company spokesman William Wertz said.

SmartCare’s public relations agency issued a statement confirming the closures and referred questions to the company’s Texas headquarters, which didn’t return a call.

The in-store clinics treated common medical problems like strep throat and ear infections for a $65 flat fee. The clinics, staffed with nurse practitioners, were open from early morning to late evening seven days a week for walk-in appointments.

Several other operators of in-store health care clinics, including New York-based CheckUps, have closed sites amid high operating costs. Last month, CVS/Caremark, the parent of MinuteClinic, said it was curbing growth plans and might shutter some locations.

Wal-Mart contracts with a number of clinic operators nationwide and remains committed to the idea, Wertz said.

It’s too soon to tell what Wal-Mart will do with the SmartCare clinic locations, he said, but the store might consider a partnership with local medical centers or other providers.

Source: Rocky Mountain News
Original Publication Date: June 20, 2008