Walgreens plans to open >20 on-site clinics in the Kansas City and St. Louis (Mo) metropolitan areas this summer. The Illinois-based drugstore chain is partnering with Take Care Health Systems to open 10 in-store clinics in the Kansas City area and another 10 in the St. Louis area. Later this year, the company will partner with InterFit Health's RediClinics and Pinnacle Health System to expand in-store clinics in other markets.

Patients will receive diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, along with diagnostic screenings and vaccinations. The clinics, staffed by certified nurse practitioners, will be open 7 days a week, with no appointments required. Patients older than 24 months can be treated for routine family illnesses, including strep throat, ear and sinus infections, and seasonal allergies.

"By partnering with these companies, we can improve health care delivery by making it more convenient and affordable for patients with common ailments," according to Don Huonker,Walgreens vice president of pharmacy services. "The services offered by our in-store clinics will complement care provided by the patient's primary care physician. Our goal is to work with [physicians] so that they are aware of all the patient's treatment and can properly coordinate care."