Care Coordination, Inexperience Make Retail Health Risky Business

Have some retailers waded so far into the healthcare waters that they may be over their heads? A new poll by Deloitte & Touche shows that the challenge of coordinating care among various providers and retail companies’ relative inexperience in the field of healthcare are leaving many companies at risk. Offerings are so diverse, from wellness screenings to treatment for acute low-acuity conditions by physician assistants and nurse practitioners, that some organizations may not be adequately prepared for the regulatory and compliance requirements that vary from state to state. In fact, 32% of respondents (healthcare providers, retailers, or distributors), say coordination across organizations is the toughest challenge in working with retailers, payers, and providers. Even more (40%) say the biggest concern of becoming more involved in providing healthcare is the potential for increased liability.