America's Health Care 

The retail industry has a history of embracing innovative health care ideas, programs and services for consumers that increase accessibility and affordability. Today, retailers improve the lives of millions of Americans every day through discount prescription programs, creative uses of health care information technology, and the convenience of in-store clinics.   

1. Affordable Prescriptions Save Billions of Dollars 
   Consumers have saved billions of dollars through discount generic prescription drug programs offered by retailers. While the savings are startling, the impact goes deeper. Discount drug programs:
   
   
• Keep patients healthier longer by ensuring they take their medications, reducing the need for more expensive medical care in the future.
• Allow consumers to avoid choosing between paying for medications or necessities such as housing and groceries.
  
  
2. Health Information Technology Drives Quality Care
   
   
• Retailers are demonstrating how maximizing health information technology can drive higher quality care, increase efficiency and provide more affordable health care.
• Retail health clinics use electronic medical records to reduce waiting room time, ease the portability of records and decrease medical errors.  E-prescriptions, used by retail pharmacies and physicians, are easier for patients, reduce errors and decrease fraud. 
  
  
3. In-store Clinics Provide Quality, Accessible Service 
   Through in-store clinics – small health care facilities located in high-traffic retail outlets – retailers are providing consumers quality, affordable and convenient non-emergency health care. Clinics: 
   

• Provide patients an easy, affordable option for frontline care. 
• Reduce emergency room visits.
• Improve basic care for patients without health insurance.