Walmart’s iconic slogan, “Save Money. Live Better,” is taking on a whole new meaning. The retail conglomerate now offers health services to individuals in select markets. The new store feature is called “Walmart Health.”
Save Money, Live Better
Walmart Health is offering quality medical care at low prices, with no insurance required. The care services include:
- Primary Care
- Optometry
- Dental
- X-Ray
- Lab Testing
- Audiology
- Tivity Health
- Counseling
According to the website, basic checkups and exams range from $20 to $60 depending on age, exam level, and new patients versus registered patients. These prices are focused on providing quality and effective care to individuals across the spectrum who might not have insurance or the ability to spend more than usual while on a fixed income.
“We have an opportunity to help the country and to build a stronger business,” — Doug McMillon, Walmart Chief Executive Officer
Each clinic is staffed by an assortment of health professionals including physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, optometrists and behavioral health providers. On-site care navigators and community health workers are also available to assist. A few locations are even testing nutritionist involvement, which allows patients to walk the store with these professionals to discuss dietary options and healthier eating habits.
Are you interested in the new healthcare offerings? Well, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that this campaign is just a foot in the door of healthcare. Walmart is looking to disrupt the industry and become a major player in the provider category.
The bad news is that patients can only find these locations in three regions; Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas. However, if the new healthcare offerings succeed as intended, you can expect to see these health clinics appear across the United States and possibly, the world.
The Bottom Line
“We’re going to have a consumer revolution in retail for point of care. Why? Because people will be able to go in and get health services at a lower cost than if they had health insurance. Think about that. There are nearly 30 million people in the United States who don’t have health insurance. A lot of these people are going to go to a Walmart where you get these kinds of routine services. That’s going to be a dramatic change.” — John Sculley, CEO of Apple from 1983 to 1993, current Chairman of RxAdvance
Walmart already has a health and wellness business reaching revenues of $36 billion. The full-service health centers are set to be a lucrative market, especially since the stores see 150 million weekly customers. All-in-all, the retail conglomerate can now offer one stop shopping for groceries, automotive, and healthcare; making it a force to be reckoned with.
