Entities trying to disrupt the healthcare industry is nothing new. But consumerism, digital innovation, labor shortages and rising costs have driven more to enter the space in efforts to offer value-based care. These include commercial healthcare providers (CHPs) like tech companies, payers, retailers and senior-focused primary care providers.
Some of the most recognizable names in retail like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS Health and Amazon have tried to disrupt the primary care industry recently only to see considerable challenges. This year’s shortcomings were led by Walmart Health’s closing of all 51 of its primary care health centers across five states. That was a marked difference from what the retail giant said in 2023 when it announced it was expanding and would have almost 80 Walmart Health primary care centers in seven states by the end of 2024.