The healthcare centers recently shuttered inside Walmart stores may not stay empty for long in some locations.
Walmart has partnered with Humana's CenterWell to open 23 senior-focused primary care centers within Walmart Supercenters across Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas. This collaboration aims to provide convenient, high-quality healthcare services tailored to seniors, leveraging CenterWell's expertise in value-based care and Walmart's extensive retail footprint.
Locally, Walmart has agreed to lease closed Walmart Health locations in Fayetteville and Fort Smith to Mercy Health. Mercy will repurpose these spaces, potentially expanding its healthcare services and outreach in the region.
By leasing these previously closed facilities, Mercy can quickly establish a presence in new areas without the need for constructing new buildings from scratch.
The partnership with CenterWell includes comprehensive services including primary care, lab work, X-rays, and behavioral health services. The clinics are designed to provide a holistic healthcare experience, addressing not just medical needs but also factors like emotional wellbeing and social determinants of health.
In addition to physical healthcare centers, Walmart has been investing in digital health solutions. The company has been expanding its telehealth services, making healthcare more accessible to those who may have difficulty visiting a clinic in person. This digital push is part of Walmart's broader strategy to integrate healthcare into its retail operations seamlessly, providing customers with a one-stop-shop for both their shopping and healthcare needs.
Looking forward, Walmart plans to continue expanding its healthcare services. The company aims to open more clinics in additional states, further broadening its reach. This expansion is part of Walmart's effort to create a nationwide network of healthcare services that are both accessible and affordable, aligning with its mission to serve communities and improve health outcomes on a large scale.
Walmart is not alone in its healthcare ambitions. Other major retailers are also expanding their healthcare services, creating a competitive landscape. For instance, CVS Health has been transforming its stores into HealthHUBs, which offer a wider array of health services, including chronic disease management, wellness products, and expanded pharmacy services. CVS's strategy focuses on integrating these services into their existing retail locations, similar to Walmart's approach.
Walgreens has also been active in the healthcare space, particularly through its partnership with VillageMD to open primary care clinics next to its pharmacies. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive care, combining Walgreens' pharmacy services with VillageMD's primary care expertise.
Both Walgreens and CVS are leveraging their retail networks to make healthcare more accessible and integrated for their customers.
Looking forward, Walmart plans to continue expanding its healthcare services. The company aims to open more clinics in additional states, further broadening its reach. This expansion is part of Walmart's effort to create a nationwide network of healthcare services that are both accessible and affordable, aligning with its mission to serve communities and improve health outcomes on a large scale.
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