For Release: Immediate

CHICAGO - The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a new policy statement opposing the use of Retail-Based Clinics (RBCs) - limited, lower-cost services at walk-in facilities located in supermarkets, pharmacies and large retail stores - as a source for medical care of infants, children and adolescents. These clinics do not support the AAP's commitment to the medical home model that provides accessible, family-centered, comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, compassionate and culturally effective care for which the pediatrician shares responsibility with the family.

The AAP is particularly concerned with the following aspects of RBC care:

• Fragmentation and possible lower quality of care
• Care for children with special health care needs
• Lack of access to a central health record
• Use of tests and diagnosis without proper follow-up
• Public health issues surrounding exposure to contagious diseases in a retail environment

While the AAP is opposed to the use of RBCs, it does acknowledge that these clinics will likely continue to exist. To help ensure the best care possible through these outlets, the AAP has issued the following guidelines:

• RBCs should support the medical home model by referring patients back to primary care physicians for future care. A medical home ensures a main source for a child's health care and medical records
• RBCs should communicate with the patient's pediatrician or other primary care physician within 24 hours of the visit.
• All those providing care to children should follow AAP clinical guidelines as well as those developed by other medical organizations.
• RBCs should be subject to health facility standards and precautions should be taken to avoid the spread of contagious diseases.

In addition, the AAP is opposed to waiving or lowering co-pays or offering financial incentives for visits to RBCs in lieu of pediatricians or primary care providers. These types of incentives would further promote the fragmentation of care.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.