Placing health clinics inside retail stores is not a new idea - but the manner of care that will be available through this partnership does break some new ground.
Giant Eagle is partnering with both University Hospitals and the Summa Health Care systems to provide what it calls full-service clinics inside supermarkets starting next month.
Dr. Michael Nochomovitz is the President of University Hospitals Physician Services.
DR. MICHAEL NOCHOMOVITZ: "When you come to a University Hospitals clinic at Giant Eagle, you'll be signing in to the UH system and your records will be available to UH doctors. Should you need additional services, it will be very seamless for you to go from the retail clinic, to a higher level of care as is needed."
University Hospitals first store clinic will be Giant Eagle's Mayfield Road location, followed by the Legacy Village store. In Summit County, the first store will be the Stow outlet.
Geauga and Lake county stores are also to get clinics but its unclear exactly how many stores in all.
The walk-in clinics typically use nurse practitioners to treat patients with minor ailments. A doctor oversees the practices.
It's another sign of the expansion of mini-clinics and the growing competition among providers. Summa Health Care's cross-town rival, Akron General Health System, has had a partnership with Acme Fresh Market since 2008 to staff walk-in clinics. The Cleveland Clinic also partners with MinuteClinic, which runs walk-in medical practices inside CVS Pharmacy stores. And Walgreens hosts in some locations, including stores in Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
