AMA Calls for Investigations of Retail Health Clinics

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association here reported yesterday that it will call for investigations into potential conflicts of interest posed by joint ventures between store-based health clinics and pharmacy chains. AMA is holding its annual meeting here, and groups of physicians have asked the association to either seek a ban on clinics or slow their growth. The AMA said its call for investigations was prompted by retailers that have said store-based health clinics help drive additional store traffic, which can increase sales of lucrative prescription drugs and other non-health-related products. "There are clear incentives for retailers to participate in the implementation and operation of store-based health clinics,” said AMA Board Member Peter Carmel, M.D. "The nation's physicians want the AMA to ensure these incentives do not compromise the basic obligation of store-based health clinics to provide patients with quality care."

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