A differing view: Health clinics need physician oversight

Rocky Mountain News
Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

The American Medical Association is committed to ensuring that all patients have access to high quality health care, which is why we support the safe and responsible operation of in-store health clinics.

The AMA understands and appreciates that innovative and alternative strategies may be needed to ensure all patients get the health care services they need in a timely fashion. However, we do not agree with the Rocky's July 5 editorial ("The cheaper option/AMA should stop looking down nose at in-store health clinics"). We do not accept that in-store health clinics should be held to a lesser standard than the local physician's office down the street. The AMA has put forth principles these clinics should comply with to ensure patient safety, and continuity of care when necessary.

These principles include reasonable measures such as making sure these clinics establish appropriate sanitation and hygienic guidelines; protocols to ensure appropriate physician oversight; and advanced communication with patients to ensure patients know the qualifications of the health professional providing their care.

The AMA was founded 160 years ago to promote the highest standards of medical care in this country. History shows that patient care and medical practice have benefited from these efforts. The AMA remains committed to promoting these high standards of care whether it's delivered at your doctor's office or at an in-store clinic.

Sincerely,

Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD
Board member, American Medical Association.