Walmart expands its imaging, healthcare footprint with two new primary care clinics
Walmart is continuing its foray into community healthcare, opening two new clinics this month, including its first in Arkansas.
The retail giant said its Springdale, Arkansas, health center is a “new prototype,” opening to the public on June 24. Walmart Health Elm Springs, as it’s known, has a smaller footprint designed to test a different layout and alternative services.
Walmart’s other new location in Loganville, Georgia, opened June 17 and resembles the retailer’s other freestanding locations, offering primary and urgent care, labs, x-ray and diagnostics, counseling, dental, optical and hearing services.
The company opened its first care clinic last September in Georgia, offering primary care services anywhere from 30% to 50% lower than typical consumer pricing, Business Insider reported. The Supercenter-based clinic in Calhoun—which opened earlier this year—priced a child’s annual checkup at about $20, with lab testing starting at $10. Walmart also operates a center in Dallas, Georgia.
And in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Senior VP of Walmart U.S. Health and Wellness Sean Slovenski said offering quality, affordable healthcare is more important than ever.
“We’re navigating a global pandemic that has exposed the vulnerabilities of our healthcare system and makes it hard for many families to get the care they need when they need it,” he said Wednesday. “We also face record unemployment, leaving many families without access to vital healthcare resources in the process.”
Slovenski added that Walmart Health facilities will also offer tailored wellness resources and educational programs to address the “unique needs of our neighbors.”
“It’s clear our model is working, but there’s also more to be done to ensure every family has access to care,” Slovenski said in a statement. “Walmart Health will continue to expand with additional locations opening in Georgia this year. We owe it to our communities to continue our mission to bring quality care to those who need it, now more than ever.”
Walmart pushed further into the healthcare space Wednesday, acquiring CareZone, a technology platform and mobile app that allows individuals and families to manage medicine regimens and chronic diseases. The company currently has around 100 employees and more than 5 million app installs.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.