Did you know that, by 2030, an estimated 60% of Baby Boomers are going to be managing a chronic condition? Over the past several years, the aging of the Baby Boomer generation has led to some monumental changes in numerous industries, and healthcare is no exception. As this population continues to age, it will put certain strains on existing industries that have been designed to handle far fewer patients — with fewer conditions, on average.
There are a few bright spots on the horizon, though, when it comes to healthcare meeting the needs of the population. Medical walk in clinics — also known as urgent cares — are a prime example. For Baby Boomers who need the routine attention of a doctor, doctors for urgent cares can come through — an estimated 60,000 doctors are currently employed by urgent cares around the country.
If you, your parents or your grandparents are part of the baby boomer generation, here?s what you need to know about the future of healthcare.
Technology Increasingly Tied to Access
If you live down the street from your doctor — or a five minute ride away, more realistically — you?ve likely never given thought to access. However, as people age they tend to develop specific issues, whether it?s chronic back pain or fibromyalgia. And specialists to treat these conditions, and their symptoms, are often located hours away. Taking a biweekly trip to the next city over can represent a difficult challenge for many seniors. Luckily, services providing virtual office visits are popping up for more and more clinics. Patients can essentially Skype their doctors from the comfort of their home and take care of routine work.
The Rising Popularity of Urgent Care Medical Clinics
There?s a reason almost 3 million people will visit urgent cares this week — and every week of the year. They?re convenient, reliable, and open during nontraditional hours. If you?re looking for quality, affordable medical care, an urgent care might be the right choice for you. If you?ve been Googling ?emergency room near me? because you need to see a doctor but yours doesn?t have a space open for the next two weeks, keep in mind that urgent cares allow walks ins and treat them quickly (though if you?re Googling ?emergency room near me? because of something like difficulty breathing or chest pains, do go to an ER — right away!).
