Walgreens clinics broaden services to include chronic conditions

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. said Thursday that its in-store Take Care Clinics have expanded the scope of healthcare services offered beyond treating minor ailments like sinus infections to include assessment, treatment and management for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma and others, as well as additional preventive health services.



The new services are now available at the more than 330 Take Care Clinics located at select Walgreens (excludes clinics in Missouri).



“With this service expansion, Take Care Clinics now provide the most comprehensive service offering within the retail clinic industry, and can play an even more valuable role in helping patients get, stay and live well,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kang, SVP of health and wellness services and solutions, Walgreens. “Through greater access to services and a broader focus on disease prevention and chronic condition management, our clinics can connect and work with physicians and other providers to better help support the increasing demands on our health care system today.”



Under the new service expansion, in addition to chronic condition management, Take Care Clinic providers can evaluate, recommend and order preventive health services, such as screenings or lab tests, based on a patient’s age, gender and family history.



“The existing gaps in patient care and demands on an already overburdened healthcare system are all projected to worsen with an influx of new patients under health care reform,” said Heather Helle, divisional VP, consumer solutions group, Walgreens. “Walgreens is stepping up to be part of the solution. As innovative care delivery models emerge, we are uniquely positioned to play an integral role in addressing the needs of patients, payers, and providers and to help shape the future of health care delivery in the U.S.”