Patients like same-day medical treatment

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 10 (UPI) -- U.S. patients prefer being treated by doctors, given the choice, but for minor illnesses they prefer the same-day service of a retail clinic, researchers say.

Arif Ahmed and Jack Fincham of the University of Missouri, Kansas City, conducted a telephone survey of nearly 500 U.S. adults that found the time and cost savings offered by retail clinics are attractive to patients, who are likely to seek care for minor illnesses at such clinics, given sufficient cost savings.

The researchers provided respondents with two hypothetical acute illness scenarios -- urinary tract infection and influenza. Those surveyed said they preferred to receive care from a physician at a private office, pay less and receive care on the same day.

Specifically, the researchers found that all else equal, a cost savings of $82.12 would be required for respondents to wait one day or more for an appointment. The survey indicated that wait time is the most important factor in patients' care-seeking decisions, the researchers said.

The researchers conclude that primary care practices, especially those in competitive markets, are likely to derive greater competitive advantage by addressing patient convenience features such as same-day scheduling, walk-in clinics and extended hours.

The findings are published in the March/April Annals of Family Medicine.