Retail medical clinics, sometimes called "doc in a box clinics" are popping up everywhere. But do they provide the quality of health care needed by patients?

These medical clinics do not replace a primary physician. Seeing the same doctor on a regular basis allows the health care provider to know your complete history and treat you with the best possible protocols based on their knowledge of your background.

There are, however, situations in which retail medical clinics can be helpful. Clinics in airports help the traveler who is far from their doctor. They are also helpful for patients who need minor medical attention when their primary care physician is closed or on vacation. These clinics provide sports participation exams, vaccinations for school, flu shots, and treat minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, muscle spasms, sore throats, sinus attacks, and minor cuts and scrapes.

Several years ago, I was in the process of moving my residence. I managed to bang my head really hard on a piece of furniture, felt a severe pain in my head and, at first, felt dizzy. It was Saturday so my physician was unavailable. I rushed down to the nearest retail medical clinic for treatment. After a short wait, I was taken into an examination room and learned I had a mild concussion. I was provided clear instructions on how to care for the concussion and what signs to look for should my condition worsen. I was given a strong shot for the pain and required to call for a ride home.

In situations like I experienced, I was grateful that retail medical clinics exist and could help me at any time. I did follow up with my regular health care provider the following week and learned that my concussion had healed and I had nothing to worry about any longer.

Without retail medical clinics, I would have been forced to go to one of the local hospital emergency rooms and wait for hours to be seen by a doctor. By electing to use a retail medical clinic, I was seen within 20 minutes of arrival and was ready to return home within less than one hour or arrival.