Maryland officials say medical malls could make services more accessible, convenient

Prince George's County in Maryland is considering converting empty stores in old shopping centers, even entire malls, into medical facilities. County officials are reviewing a feasibility study that recommends creating "medical malls" in four underutilized shopping centers in neglected communities. Under the plan, the county would partner with private retail owners to renovate or build spaces where customers could, for example, shop for clothes in one end of the mall and get a mammogram or a physical in another. The partnership would be paid for with public and private dollars.