Dive Brief:
- More deals are being announced between health care systems and big retailers.
- The agreements, which focus on collaborative programs, come as the retailers move into the primary care business and look for other ways to expand.
- Part of the attractiveness of the deals: As more Americans get health insurance through ACA, more are likely to seek regular, basic health care.
Dive Insight:
"More and more providers are recognizing the value we provide as a strategic health care partner, and the important role our pharmacists and nurse practitioners can play in supporting continuity of care and working collaboratively to help improve patient outcomes," Dr. Jeff Kang, senior vice president of health and wellness for Walgreens, tells Forbes. The chains are looking for ways to integrate themselves into several growing health care trends, including accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes.