MinuteClinic Opens in CVS

MinuteClinic, the largest provider of retail-based medical clinics in the United States, has opened a new walk-in medical clinic inside the in Cartersville.

It now has 31 clinics in the Atlanta metro area, which is the company’s largest U.S. market. The new clinics are part of MinuteClinic’s plans to add 100 new clinics nationwide in 2011 and in each of the next four years.
 
“Since opening our first store-based clinic in the Atlanta metropolitan area in 2007, we have helped to expand access to high-quality, convenient and affordable care to thousands of residents who have visited us at convenient CVS/pharmacy locations near where they live and work,” Andrew Sussman, president of MinuteClinic and senior vice president/associate chief medical officer of CVS Caremark Corporation, said in a press release. “We are committed to making our innovative model of care part of Georgia’s efforts to broaden access to quality health services.”
 
MinuteClinic practitioners 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 and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia and Hepatitis A and B are available at most locations.

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.

No appointments are required at MinuteClinic and most health insurance is accepted. For patients paying cash or credit, treatment prices are posted at each medical center and on www.minuteclinic.com. The cost for most treatment starts at $79.
 
MinuteClinic nurse 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 medical walk-in clinics in the Atlanta metropolitan area operate from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.