MinuteClinic Opens Its First Medical Clinics in Lehigh Valley
Clinics Bring Accessible, Convenient and Affordable Health Care Services to CVS/pharmacy stores in Bethlehem and Macungie
WOONSOCKET, R.I., June 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic, the largest provider of retail-based medical clinics in the United States, has opened its first two walk-in medical clinics in the Lehigh Valley.
Open seven days a week with no appointment necessary, the clinics are located inside two CVS/pharmacy stores in Bethlehem and Macungie and are part of MinuteClinic's plan to open 150 clinics nationwide in 2013 in both new and existing markets.
MinuteClinic launched its first medical clinics in Pennsylvania in 2007 and now has 24 walk-in clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in the Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh markets.
Andrew Sussman, M.D., president, MinuteClinic and senior vice president/ associate chief medical officer, CVS Caremark Corporation, believes MinuteClinic can help alleviate the severe primary care shortage that is expected to worsen over the coming decade in Pennsylvania.
"We believe MinuteClinic can be part of the solution to help broaden access to high quality, convenient and affordable health care services in the Lehigh Valley and elsewhere in the state," Sussman said.
The clinics are staffed by MinuteClinic nurse practitioners who specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions, skin conditions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia and hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. Walk-in camp, sports, and college physicals are available daily. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Most health insurance is accepted. For patients paying cash or credit, treatment prices are posted at each clinic and on www.minuteclinic.com. The cost for most services starts at $79.
MinuteClinic practitioners use a software program that at the conclusion of each visit generates educational material, an invoice and a prescription (when clinically appropriate) for the patient, as well as a diagnostic record that can be sent via electronic health record, fax or mail to a primary care provider with patient permission.
MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics in Bethlehem and Macungie operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Clinic locations are:
Bethlehem
2434 Catasauqua Road
Macungie
155 West Main Street
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 medical clinics in the United States in 2000 and is the largest provider of retail clinics with approximately 650 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than 16 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic is the only retail health care provider to receive three consecutive accreditations 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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