Inside STAT: Walmart places a big bet on cheaper, less intimidating primary care

WALMART HEALTH STAFF AND COMPANY EXECUTIVES CUT THE RIBBON TO OPEN THE CALHOUN CLINIC. (MEGAN THIELKING/STAT)

At the grand opening of Walmart’s health care clinic yesterday in Calhoun, Ga. — the second such “one-stop shop” facility in the state — crowds gathered eagerly to view the spectacle, including an appearance by actor Mark Wahlberg. Sean Slovenski, senior vice president for health and wellness at Walmart, bills the concept as a “Supercenter for health care,” much like how Walmart’s giant stores serve as a single location for multiple services at low prices. The new center in Calhoun offers everything from X-rays to teeth cleaning to mental health screenings. And true to Walmart’s ethos, the services also seem affordable: A therapy session for an uninsured individual is $45. STATs Megan Thielking has new details about Walmart's strategy for its clinics, which the company sees as both a less intimidating way to get primary care, and a way to help pull in an entirely new customer base. STAT Plus subscribers can read more here.