Wal-Mart Opens “Care Clinic” in Dalton Store

DALTON, GA. (WDEF-TV) -If you have a medical emergency—call 9-1-1 or head to the emergency room.
That’s always good advice.
But what if you just want a physical or treatment for an ear ache?
Walmart, the nation’s largest employer, has a suggestion—a walk-in clinic right there in the store.

No insurance needed, no appointment necessary, and they take medicare and medicade.
It sounds like a good deal for busy people with minor aches and pains.

DR. DANIEL STEIN, DIR. OF MEDICAL SERVICES, WAL-MART "Walmart is the largest private sector employer in the united states. We have over 1.1 million associates and their family members on our health plan. And we think there’s a tremendous opportunity to drive down the cost of health for our associates and customers."

The company isn’t putting the Care clinics in all stores as yet, and Walmart in Dalton is one of the first in the nation.
It opened with a big fanfare, and a ribbon cutting Friday morning.

JOHN COLEMAN, STORE MANAGER, DALTON WAL-MART "The company is very committed to the health and well-being of our communities and our associates. So I know they are really looking at making a success out of this…because there’s so much need out there."

The cost is affordable.

DR. DANIEL STEIN "All visits at the Walmart care clinic are assessed at 40-dollars. A big flat fee…it doesn’t matter if you’re here for an earache..or diabetes management visit…just 40-dollars."

By the way Walmart employees and customers on the company’s health insurance plan, can get that medical treatment for just 4-dollars.

JOHN COLEMAN "A few years ago we initiated the 4-dollar prescription program ..Sort of re-invested the prescription program . We know this is going to happen as well as our care clinics. "

What kind of treatment can you get there at the clinic?: Wellness and preventive services, checkups,physicals, acute care, and walk-in needs like sore throat.
It’s now open for business.

Walmart says for the immediate future, the Care Clinics will only be in a few stores around the country.