MinuteClinic Marks American Diabetes Month With Free A1c Tests at Locations Across the Country Through Nov. 25

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of American Diabetes Month® in November, MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores across the country are offering complimentary A1c tests beginning today and continuing through Nov. 25.  The free tests, sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care, are available while supplies last. MinuteClinic is open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends and no appointment is necessary.

"Our goal is provide convenient locations where the more than 24 million Americans with diabetes can walk in and see a practitioner to receive advice and basic testing to help them better monitor their condition," said Andrew Sussman, M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "The A1c test is the best measure available to assess a diabetic patient's immediate condition and determine whether any changes in treatment and lifestyle habits are needed. With more than 1.6 million new diabetics diagnosed each year, the need for providing more accessible options to help patients monitor their condition is critical."

In addition to daily self-testing of glucose levels, diabetics should receive regular A1c tests that measure their average blood glucose levels over a two- to three-month period.  The American Diabetes Association advises that patients keep their A1c level below seven percent.

As part of the complimentary A1c test, MinuteClinic practitioners will check a patient's vital signs, review medical history and administer the blood test. Results are available within five minutes and are discussed with the patient.  A visit summary that includes the A1c test results is made available to primary care providers with patient permission. Visit summaries are typically sent within 24 hours via electronic medical record, fax or mail.

For a list of MinuteClinic locations where the complimentary A1c test is available, visit www.minuteclinic.com/freea1c. A1c tests are not offered at MinuteClinic locations in Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada and Pennsylvania and are available while supplies last.

In addition to monitoring services, MinuteClinic practitioners are trained to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumovax, and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. Wellness and prevention services include camp, sports and college physicals as well as health care screenings. Most health care insurance is accepted for MinuteClinic services.

About MinuteClinic

MinuteClinic is a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. MinuteClinic launched the first retail health care centers in the United States in 2000 and is the first provider to establish a national presence, with approximately 500 locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to patient needs, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than eight million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed the national guidelines established for store-based clinics.  MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive accreditation (2006) and reaccreditation (2009) from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com.

SOURCE MinuteClinic

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