Walmart to nearly double health center footprint
Walmart is doubling down on its freestanding health center format.
The retail giant announced plans to open 28 new Walmart Health centers in 2024, giving it a total of more than 75 locations by the end of the year. The expansion will increase Walmart Health’s footprint into two new states — Missouri and Arizona — and also deepen in Texas, the Dallas metro area and growing into Houston.
The first of the new Walmart Health centers will open in the first quarter of 2024. The specific locations include 10 centers in Dallas metro area, eight in the Houston metro area, six in the Phoenix metro area and four in the Kansas City, Mo. metro area.
The new facilities, which will be approximately 5,750 sq. ft. and located beside Walmart Supercenters, will feature a full suite of health services. The services may vary by location, but include primary care, labs, X-ray and EKG, behavioral health, dental, hearing, select specialty services, community health and telehealth.
Walmart debuted its freestanding health center concept in 2019. Currently, there are 32 Walmart Health locations open across Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas. Seven additional centers are due to open in the Sunshine State by fall 2023.
The company said that with the new locations, and based on patient feedback, it is changing the physical footprint and layout of the center so that patients spend less time in the waiting room and more time with their doctor.
“We’ve also integrated modern equipment and technology to enable our providers and patients alike to experience best-in-class healthcare technology,” Dr. David Carmouche, senior VP of omnichannel care at Walmart, wrote in a blog post on the company’s website.
“One important element that will remain the same is our commitment to addressing a patient’s whole health needs, and that’s why our centers will continue to be staffed with qualified doctors, dentists, behavioral health specialists, community health workers and more.”
During the past year, Walmart Health expanded its presence in Florida, and implemented value-based care in its Florida and Georgia locations to individuals with qualifying Medicare Advantage plans.
[Read More: Walmart partners with UnitedHealth Group on health care for seniors]
“We know the cost and convenience of healthcare remains a barrier for many Americans,” Carmouche stated. With 90% of the U.S. population located within 10 miles of a Walmart, Walmart Health is in a unique position to provide quality, affordable health and wellness services where our neighbors already live and shop.”