Competition, patient demand are fueling growth in after-hours clinics

Doctors are expanding hours to accommodate the demands of busy, informed patients, as well as combat competition from retail health clinics popping up in drugstores such as Walgreens and CVS. "Given the choice, most patients who have a regular physician would prefer to see them on extended hours than go elsewhere for treatment," said Doug Henley, chief executive officer with the American Academy of Family Physicians.