MinuteClinic Salutes Practitioners in Celebrating Inaugural National Convenient Care Clinic Week
Growth of Store-Based Clinics Continues as Services are Expanded to Respond to Patient Demand
WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic, the pioneer and largest provider of retail-based medical clinics in the United States, joins the Convenient Care Association in celebrating the inaugural National Convenient Care Clinic Week, August 2-8, 2010.
National Convenient Care Clinic Week, as designated by the United States Senate, recognizes the role of retail-based clinics and practitioners in complementing traditional medical service providers in delivering care to patients, and the industry's expanded scope of services under health care reform. The convenient care industry now accounts for more than 1,100 medical clinics nationwide and has served more than 15 million patients since MinuteClinic launched its first store-based clinic in Minneapolis in 2000. Today, MinuteClinic operates about 500 walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
"We salute the work of MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants across the country who are delivering high-quality medical services and helping to create a more accessible and affordable choice in care for millions of Americans," said Andrew Sussman M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "At MinuteClinic, we've now served more than 7.5 million patients, and we are continuing to expand our scope of care by offering innovative services that respond to patient demand."
MinuteClinic's strong growth, including a 36% increase in visits in the second quarter of 2010 versus the same period in 2009, reflects its expansion of services among other factors. Beginning April 2010, MinuteClinic became the first retail clinic provider to introduce comprehensive health condition monitoring for patients previously diagnosed with diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol and high blood pressure to help them overcome the challenges of living with their conditions. The services, which include lab tests and exams, are designed to support patients with ongoing health conditions in between visits to their primary care provider or to provide assistance to patients who may not receive regular care.
In addition to offering monitoring and wellness and prevention 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 all locations.
MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics are open seven days a week; including weekday evening hours. No appointment is necessary.
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 consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than 7.5 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceeds 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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