ACP Position Paper Says Retail Clinics Should Only be a Backup to Primary Care

​Retail health clinics are best used as an episodic backup option for patients with minor conditions who already have a primary care physician, states an American College of Physicians (ACP) position paper outlining guidelines for the safe use of retail clinics. In an October 13, 2015, ACP press release, the group encourages healthcare organizations to expand access to their offices by offering after-hours care and flexible scheduling.