by Marty S.
Member since:
June 28, 2006

Can WalMart Fix the health care system of the US?

June 11, 2008 05:39 PM EDT
views: 109 | comments: 15

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/LetWalMartFixUSHealthCare.aspx

Being with a hospital's IT department, I think there could be problems with the WalMart solution.  I guess if they can partner with clinics, and get adequate staffing relative to the needs of consumers, then maybe it might be workable, but I imagine the relative lack of check out cashiers near christmas time, and the problems with HIPPA compliance and other issues, the bad PR centered around what happens when computer systems are hacked.

 

So what do you think?  Might WalMart be able to compete effectively in the health care arena?

Would you go to the WalMart Clinic?

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Comments: 15

Spencer T. Jun 11, 2008, 5:52pm EDT
Yes, I would. I see no difference in Wal Mart operating clinics as I would any other company. A series of clinics operated by Walgreens and or other providers would be helpful especially for non emergency medical usages and would take some of the pressure off ER's being used.
Marty S. Jun 11, 2008, 6:04pm EDT
Hmm, I guess that Publix has some stores with pharmacies down here in Florida with Nurse Practitioners who can write prescriptions. I guess WalMart could be more effective. I'm pretty sure that Publix doesn't have a computerized patient tracking system in place at this time. I'd suppose that maintaining the computers for the WalMart clinics could be challenging if we'll be having patient records computerized and accessable accross the corporation.
Marilyn M. Jun 11, 2008, 6:08pm EDT
No way. I don't trust WalMart. People might think it's great that they started selling generic prescriptions cheaply and lots of others followed along...but they could have done that years ago. I don't shop WalMart for many, many reasons and I would certainly not trust them with my healthcare.
Trish A. Jun 11, 2008, 6:26pm EDT
I think there is much more needed to "fix" the health care problem. Too many people can't even afford a less expensive clinic.
Richard B. Jun 11, 2008, 6:39pm EDT
no
Sarah (I want points) Jun 11, 2008, 8:43pm EDT
This is sort of scary to me because what is wal mart going to be doing next? It seems like everything is going to be walmart soon.
Col. George W. Jun 11, 2008, 8:48pm EDT
poppa, that is not saying much.

Wal Mart is a retail store that sells chineese junk, I would never go there for prescriptions let alone healthcare.
Debra C. Jun 11, 2008, 9:18pm EDT
WalMart has certainly found a way to engage efficiencies to help its bottom line. Can it apply some of those methods to "drop-in clinic" type healthcare? Probably. Can it do so effectively for the patient? Probably. Is there a place for this type of clinic? Probably. Would I use it? No. I would call my doctor or use the walk-in clinics already available. I am not likely to go in for something small anyway ... the only time I've used an open clinic was when I also needed the X-ray facilities they had on site that my doctor didn't.
Melanie S. Jun 11, 2008, 10:42pm EDT
I say some kind of care is better than no care!
Randy W. Jun 11, 2008, 11:18pm EDT
Marilyn, " I don't trust Wal-Mart for many, many reasons." What are the reasons? Or, are you just paranoid?

Col. George, I'm not surprised that you don't care for Wal-Mart, because you don't seem to like anything in America that is not run by the government. Well, I wish that Wal-Mart ran the Post Office. They are customer oriented, and that's more than I can say for any government agency I have dealt with, especially the IRS and Medicare.

I shop Wal-Mart because they have good merchandise at reasonable prices, good service, and a fair return policy. I used to shop at pricey department stores, but I got tired of being treated like dirt when I had a problem with their stuff.
Austin Cushing Jun 12, 2008, 1:17am EDT
Heh. Have you looked at the way Wal-Mart handles their credit card business? You thought health care fees were bad beforehand...

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Amy H. Jun 12, 2008, 5:20am EDT
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robert w. Jun 12, 2008, 12:28pm EDT
I wouldn't trust Wal-Mart for my entire well-being. However, I
do like their prescription programs and their prices on some
OTC drugs.
Sharon B. Jun 12, 2008, 7:14pm EDT
buying second rate and low quality merchandise may be fine for something that is not expected to last all that long, but I think I would draw the line at second rate, low quality medical care. I will pass on the wal mart clinic.

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