To your health

Last Saturday, the NY Times lede was "Doctor Shortage Likely to Worsen With Health Law."  Yes, if demand expands, something has to give.  The accompanying story is standard fare and reports that, "The Obama administration has sought to ease the shortage."  Thirty years ago, "manpower planning" was all the rage for people unfamiliar with labor markets.

Today's LA Times' lede is more promising. "In-store clinics look to be a remedy for health care influx."  The phenomenon is hard to miss.  The story quotes skeptical doctors but does mention that, "These in-store clinics have performed well thus far.  Studies by Rand found that these clinics provide care at costs that are 30% to 40% less than similar care provided at physician's office and that the care for routine illness was of similar quality."

Those lucky enough to have gold-plated medical insurance have choices, but many others do not.  For the latter group, the likes of CVS, Target and even the evil WalMart may be a godsend.