WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic, the largest provider of retail-based medical clinics in the United States and in Arizona, announced that it has become a contracted provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, the state's largest locally based health insurance company.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona provides health insurance products, services or networks to 1.2 million individuals. These individuals will now have access to 16 MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics located inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in communities throughout the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.
"This is an important development in the growth of our business in Arizona as we expand access to care to thousands of new patients," said Andrew Sussman, M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "By offering high quality treatment in a convenient setting, we can work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to help reduce health care insurance expenses for its members as well as time spent away from members' families and the workplace."
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, pertussis and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. Walk-in camp, sports and college physicals for adolescents are available daily. 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.
MinuteClinic 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.
No appointments are required at MinuteClinic. Clinics in the Phoenix area are open Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and in Tucson, clinics operate Mon.-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On weekends, clinics in both markets are open Sat., 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is the largest Arizona-based health insurance company. The not-for-profit company was founded in 1939 and provides health insurance products, services or networks to 1.2 million individuals. With offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson and the East Valley, the company employs more than 1,300 Arizonans.
About MinuteClinic
MinuteClinic is a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. MinuteClinic launched the first retail medical clinics in the United States in 2000 and is the largest provider of retail clinics with approximately 600 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than 10.5 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed national guidelines. MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive accreditation (2006) and reaccreditation (2009) from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com.
SOURCE MinuteClinic