First MinuteClinic Walk-in Medical Clinics Open in Springfield, Missouri

PRESS RELEASE

Woonsocket, R.I., Nov. 10, 2015 — The first MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics have come to Springfield, Missouri. Two clinics have opened inside CVS/pharmacy stores on the edge of the Missouri State University campus on Elm Street and in Southern Hills. Missouri State Senator Jay Wasson and Representative Eric Burlison will participate in a ribbon-cutting today at the clinic near the university campus.

A third MinuteClinic in Springfield will begin seeing patients Nov. 18 and a fourth location will open in December. The clinics join 21 other MinuteClinic locations in Missouri found inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas. Nationwide, MinuteClinic, the largest provider of walk-in medical clinics in the United States, has more than 1,000 locations in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

MinuteClinic is open seven days a week with no appointment necessary. Most major health insurance is accepted, including several Medicaid plans in Missouri. For patients paying cash or credit, treatment prices are posted at each clinic and onwww.minuteclinic.com. The cost for most services starts at $79 - $99.

“Targeted expansion into markets like Springfield brings high-quality, convenient and affordable health care services to community members,” said Andrew Sussman, M.D., president, MinuteClinic and executive vice president/associate chief medical officer, CVS Health. “We face a significant shortage in primary care providers, an aging Baby Boomer population and the addition of millions of newly insured patients through the Affordable Care Act. By increasing access to care, MinuteClinic can help support the primary care medical home in Missouri.”

MinuteClinic nurse 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, skin conditions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations.

In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help patients identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health. These include smoking cessation and weight loss management services and screening and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

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.

Sussman says MinuteClinic can play a complementary role in working with primary care providers.

"About 50 percent of MinuteClinic visits occur on evenings, weekends and holidays when patients may not be able to get an appointment with their primary care provider," he said, "and about half of the patients seen at MinuteClinic are 'medically homeless' and do not have a personal physician."

Patients who visit MinuteClinic without a primary care provider are provided a list of physicians in the area who are accepting new patients, said Sussman.

The MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics in Springfield operate from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Locations inside Springfield, Missouri CVS/pharmacy stores:

• 1153 E. Elm St. on the edge of the Missouri State University campus
• 2715 E. Battlefield St.
• 3045 W. Republic St. (opening November 18)
• 1220 E. Republic St. (opening in December)