CVS's MinuteClinic celebrates a big milestone

CVS Health’s MinuteClinic has surpassed 25 million patient visits since the nation's first retail clinic opened in 2000.



There are nearly 1,000 locations in 31 states and the District of Columbia inside select CVS/pharmacy stores. MinuteClinic was acquired by CVS Corp. (now CVS Health) in 2006.



"We've seen MinuteClinic evolve from a limited service treating just seven acute illnesses to become a high quality health care provider that now offers 65 services and vaccinations," stated Andrew Sussman, MinuteClinic president and EVP/associate chief medical officer, CVS Health. "As we look to the future, we will continue to expand our service offerings."



In addition, MinuteClinic will grow the number of clinic locations in both existing and new markets. The company will open more than 100 new clinics this year and anticipates surpassing 1,500 clinics by 2017. In the last nine months, MinuteClinic opened its first clinics in CVS/pharmacy stores in Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.



"The need for more accessible and affordable health care services offered at retail clinics is greater than ever as the medical profession addresses the primary care shortage, changes brought by health care reform and the needs of our aging population," Sussman stated.



Growth is supported by CVS Health and MinuteClinic clinical collaborations with more than 50 hospitals and health systems across the United States. The affiliations encourage collaboration among health care providers, CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic practitioners to improve coordination of care for patients seen at clinic locations. In addition, MinuteClinic and participating health systems are integrating electronic health records to streamline and enhance communication so MinuteClinic visit summaries can be shared electronically with patients' primary care physicians with their permission.