Introduction
A CVS in San Ramon, Calif., offers free sanitizing wipes for shoppers during the coronavirus pandemic. In some stores, CVS operates HealthHUBS that provide services such as treatment for coughs or help managing chronic conditions, part of an effort to expand health care options. (Getty Images/Smith Collection/Gado/Contributor)
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Amid the tumult and disruption caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, a physician shortage and rising health care costs, providers and insurers have been focusing on new ways to make care more accessible to consumers. Changes include placing health clinics in retail stores where consumers can get primary care services, find help managing chronic conditions or even take a yoga class. Providers also are turning to telehealth — offering care via computer, phone or mobile device. Mergers and partnerships among retailers, insurers and providers are driving some of the changes as the health care industry struggles to bring down the high costs of care in the United States. The coronavirus pandemic is also boosting telehealth. But some experts worry about the quality of care offered by these new services. They warn that retail clinics and telehealth can undercut patients' relationships with primary care doctors. Yet given the physician shortage, other experts say retail clinics and telehealth have a vital role to play.
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