WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic, the
retail medical clinic of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) which operates
more than 1,100 retail medical clinics in CVS Pharmacy and Target
stores across the United States,
has introduced a new digital tool that allows patients to view wait
times at most locations and hold a place in line from the
convenience of their smartphone, computer or tablet.
The new system is currently available to patients visiting
MinuteClinic locations inside CVS Pharmacy stores and Longs Drugs
in Hawaii. It will be expanded to Target-based clinics later
this year. The service debuts at the same time as MinuteClinic
expands its suite of health care services and surpasses 30 million
patient visits.
"Since introducing the first store-based, walk-in clinics in
2000, MinuteClinic has consistently developed new ways to evolve
its model to make health care services more convenient for today's
consumer," said Andrew Sussman,
M.D., President of CVS MinuteClinic and Executive Vice President
and Associate Chief Medical Officer of CVS Health. "We know
patients are demanding added convenience as they interact with the
health care system. The option to hold a place in line gives
patients more choices and flexibility and will allow for prompt
care when arriving at our clinics. We think of it as the 'cure for
the common wait'."
To use MinuteClinic's new digital tool, patients start by
viewing current wait times online at the clinic they'd like to
visit. They then enter the reason for their visit and provide
an email address or phone number in MinuteClinic's secure system to
receive a confirmation code and reminder messages via email or
text. Patients are given an estimated time to arrive at the
clinic. Once at the selected clinic, they sign in at the kiosk
and enter their unique confirmation code. They are then ready to be
seen as soon as the practitioner is available based on the order in
which the confirmation was received.
While bringing more convenient care options to its growing
patient base, MinuteClinic has also added a variety of new medical
services that include treatment of sprains and strains, gout, joint
pain, indigestion and heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
In addition, MinuteClinic is expanding women's health and
counseling services to include contraceptive care. Available to
patients over 18 years of age (19 in some states), MinuteClinic
practitioners can see women interested in starting birth control or
changing their present method of contraception to develop a
customized plan.
Increasing patient demand is the impetus for adding these new
services, according to Sussman.
"We've worked closely with our collaborating physicians, health
system affiliates, and our practitioner team to develop a
consistent and thoughtful approach to expand and introduce new
services that are within the scope of practice of our nurse
practitioners and physician assistants," said Sussman. "We employ
evidence-based guidelines in our treatment plans. Having seen more
than 30 million visits in 16 years, we hope to continue to bring
innovations and convenience to the way health care is delivered
today."
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants at MinuteClinic
specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write
prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat;
ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections; nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea; indigestion. Acne, rashes and skin conditions;
sprains and strains; and minor wounds and abrasions are also
treated. Common vaccinations are available at most locations, such
as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia and Hepatitis A & B.
Prevention and wellness services include screening and
monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high
cholesterol, tuberculosis (TB) testing, contraceptive care,
motion sickness prevention and smoking cessation.
At the conclusion of each visit, patients receive educational
material, a prescription (when clinically appropriate) and a visit
summary. A copy of the diagnostic record can be sent
electronically, or by fax or mail, to a primary care provider with
patient permission.
About MinuteClinic
MinuteClinic is the retail medical
clinic of CVS Health (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 more than 1,100 locations in 33
states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care
delivery model that responds to patient demand, MinuteClinic makes
access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans.
Nationally, the company has provided care through more than 30
million patient visits, with a 95 percent customer satisfaction
rating. MinuteClinic is the only retail health care provider to
receive four consecutive accreditations from The Joint Commission,
the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 21,000
health care organizations and programs in the United States. For more information,
visit www.minuteclinic.com.
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SOURCE MinuteClinic