"This relationship brings two strong organizations together for one purpose: better care for our patients," said Kenneth H. Paulus, President and CEO of Allina Hospitals & Clinics. "By coordinating care between the retail clinic setting and our clinics and hospitals, patients can feel confident that they will be well taken care of, whether they have a minor illness or something more serious."
"We are pleased to work with one of the leading hospital and clinic systems in the country to expand access to basic health care needs in the community and improve patient outcomes," said Andrew J. Sussman, M.D., MinuteClinic president. "Through this agreement, Allina physicians will serve as a valuable resource to our MinuteClinic nurse practitioners in the Twin Cities area. We also look forward to collaborating with Allina on information connectivity and a range of new services."
Under the agreement, Allina and MinuteClinic will collaborate on aligning their clinical care operations, including medical oversight and informing patients of each parties' services. In addition, as part of the collaboration, Allina and MinuteClinic will develop interfaces between their electronic medical records (EMR) systems to streamline communication around all aspects of a patient's care. Allina and MinuteClinic will also explore the development of new services in the market.
Allina Hospitals & Clinics is the largest integrated health care delivery system in Minnesota. Allina offers a full range of primary and specialty care services including technically advanced inpatient and outpatient care, 24-hour emergency care, medical transportation, pharmacy, and home & community services. Through its award-winning electronic medical record (EMR) system, Allina provides coordinated care in 11 hospitals and more than 90 clinics. Allina is transforming health care with the EMR by providing patients with seamless, coordinated and more informed care and improved patient safety. MyChart, an Internet tool, enables patients to securely access portions of their medical records, get lab results, schedule appointments online and more.
MinuteClinic health care centers are staffed by nurse practitioners who specialize in family health care and are trained to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, MMR, and Hepatitis A & B are available at all locations. 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 for diabetes, hypertension and obesity. No appointments are required at MinuteClinic and most health insurance plans are accepted.
About CVS Caremark
CVS Caremark is the largest provider of prescriptions in the nation. The Company fills or manages more than 1 billion prescriptions annually. Through its unmatched breadth of service offerings, CVS Caremark is transforming the delivery of health care services in the U.S. The Company is uniquely positioned to effectively manage costs and improve health care outcomes through its more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores; its Caremark Pharmacy Services division (pharmacy benefit management, mail order and specialty pharmacy); its retail-based health clinic subsidiary, MinuteClinic; and its online pharmacy, CVS.com. General information about CVS Caremark is available through the Investor Relations section of the Company's Web site, at cvscaremark.com/investors, as well as through the press room section of the Company's Web site, at cvscaremark.com/newsroom.
About MinuteClinic
Minneapolis-based MinuteClinic is a subsidiary of CVS Caremark Corporation, the No. 1 provider of prescriptions and related health care services in the nation. MinuteClinic launched the first retail health care centers in the United States in 2000 and is the first provider to establish a national presence with about 500 locations in 25 states. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. The company has generated more than 5 million patient visits, with a 95 percent customer satisfaction rating. A recognized leader in the patient-centric health care movement, MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed the national guidelines established for store-based clinics by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive accreditation 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.
About Allina Hospitals and Clinics
Allina Hospitals & Clinics comprises 11 hospitals, more than 90 clinics, specialty care centers, and specialty medical services that provide hospice care, oxygen and home medical equipment, pharmacies, and emergency medical transportation services. Allina Hospitals & Clinics and the latest health information can be found online at www.allina.com.
SOURCE CVS Caremark
