CCA and key industry leaders to discuss role of retail-based healthcare in health reform

On Monday, October 26, the Convenient Care Association (CCA) and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, along with the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and The Drug Store News Group, will discuss the evolution and growth of the convenient care industry, expansion of the convenient care model, convenient care in the health system setting, and quality in convenient care.

The forum, hosted at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, will include new research presented by Paul H. Keckley, PhD, Executive Director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, as well as discussion from key industry thought leaders and convenient care operators.

"This event marks our third anniversary as an association, truly highlighting how far we have come as an industry, from inception to recognition as a disruptive innovation and valuable contributor to the healthcare marketplace," said CCA Executive Director Tine Hansen-Turton. "We are pleased to be joined by Dr. Keckley from Deloitte who will present new research that identifies trends in convenient care and the role of retail-based healthcare in health reform."

"We have been studying the evolution of the convenient care model for a couple of years now and we consider it an important part of the healthcare landscape," said Dr. Keckley. "Our research demonstrates that there has been overall growth of the retail clinic market in the past two years, with the number of operators increasing by 40 percent. While business models are changing, long-term viability is strong and the value proposition is sustainable. We believe the combination of consumerism in healthcare, greater access to self care technology and tools, and increased price sensitivity will drive long-term growth, and we expect cautious growth to likely resume from 2010-2011 and then accelerate from 2012-2014."

Chip Phillips, current President of the Board of Directors of the CCA and past CEO of MinuteClinic, said, "The research done by Dr. Keckley and his team has been valuable in helping the CCA to position itself as an essential component of healthcare reform. We hope that the program on October 26, including presentations from Dr. Keckley and a number of CEOs and Presidents of convenient care clinic operators from around the country, will provide insight into this growing movement and sustainability of the model."

The forum, entitled, "Convenient Care Clinics and Retail Healthcare: A Critical Innovation for Successful Healthcare Reform?," is free of charge and will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, with a reception to follow, at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22(nd) St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Advance registration is required.

Dr. George Wohlreich, President of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, commented, "The College was founded in 1787 with the goal of advancing the cause of public health, a value we share with the CCA, which has worked for the past three years to bring affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare to the American public."