By Prue Salasky, Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"They've taken off in popularity," said
The concept is straightforward: To provide easy access to basic medical care at convenient hours.
The clinic at the
Nurse practitioners must complete a two-year program beyond training as a registered nurse, according to
In 2006, when CVS purchased MinuteClinics, they were the first retail providers to gain certification from the Joint Commission, which has oversight over hospital and all major health providers, according to the company website.
The clinics differ from urgent care centers in that they are not equipped with X-ray machines and staff does not conduct any invasive exams, mend broken bones or apply stitches. They can conduct some "point of care" tests, such as cholesterol screening, rapid strep tests, and blood glucose levels for diabetics.
"We're available to see anyone 18 months and older," said
Fully half of patients at
"We keep everyone in the loop. Some are repeat customers," said Roach, who has referred patients to primary care when they needed more intense lab monitoring or when clinical guidelines called for it. In the past two months, the most common patient complaints have related to allergies, sinusitis and pollen counts, she added.
Across the country, 50 percent of patients take advantage of weekend and evening hours. "Providing access is very beneficial to them and the community. They often say they would otherwise go to the ER (emergency room)," said Gagliano, herself a former primary care physician.
The clinics can also peg early signs of disease, such as high blood pressure, and offer ongoing monitoring. In
Payment is primarily through insurance, though about 15 percent of patients pay in cash. The cost of services is displayed on the website and on an electronic message board at each site.
Salasky can be reached by phone at 757-247-4784.
CVS MinuteClinics
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--In June, clinics will open at
--Clinic hours:
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(c)2014 the Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)
Visit the Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) at www.dailypress.com
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