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November 02, 2005
The Health Savings Account impact on Consumerism
With the increase in Health Savings Account owners, consumerism is quickly impacting the family doctor. Clinics such as MinuteClinic, FastCare, and MEDspot are opening up in busy retail locations such as Target and CVS Pharmacy. These health clinics are typically staffed by nurse practitioners, who are legally able to prescribe medication and perform basic health care functions without direct supervision by a doctor. Average cost is about $40 for a visit, compared to $85 for a typical doctor’s office visit. Waiting time is typically 15 minutes or less.
As more people obtain health savings accounts, and begin paying for their own doctor visits, these places will continue to become more popular. This will of course put competitive pressure on traditional doctor offices, and thus will lower prices and improve service for everyone. Oh the beauty of a free-market economy.
You can get an HSA instant quote at HSA for America to find the right HSA Insurance plan for you!
Posted by Wiley Long at November 2, 2005 03:12 PM