MINNEAPOLIS and NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning February
1, 2009, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) members
will have new options for routine medical care. Horizon BCBSNJ and
MinuteClinic, the largest provider of retail health care in the United States,
have reached an agreement that will make New Jersey based MinuteClinic health
care centers participating providers with Horizon BCBSNJ.
"We are delighted to be able to offer this convenience to our members,"
said Richard G. Popiel, MD, MBA, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer,
Horizon BCBSNJ. "MinuteClinic provides a cost-effective solution for
addressing common illnesses while maintaining Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield
of New Jersey's standards for high quality health care."
"Horizon BCBSNJ shares our goals of creating consumer-driven health care
solutions that provide convenient access and deliver cost savings," said Chip
Phillips, MinuteClinic President. "By offering quality treatment in a
convenient setting, we can work with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New
Jersey to help reduce health care insurance expenses for their members as well
as time spent away from their families and the workplace."
MinuteClinic health care centers are staffed by masters-prepared,
board-certified nurse practitioners. These practitioners specialize in family
health care and are trained to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions when
clinically indicated for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear,
eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Common vaccinations such as
influenza, tetanus, MMR, and Hepatitis A & B are also available. MinuteClinic
retail locations are open seven days a week including weekday evening hours.
No appointment is necessary.
MinuteClinic nurse practitioners utilize nationally recognized medical
protocols to diagnose and treat health conditions. With the patient's consent,
treatment information is shared with his or her primary care physician to
facilitate continuity of care. Horizon BCBSNJ encourages members to continue
to use their primary care physician as their first point of care for ongoing
health problems and to recognize that retail health clinics are not meant to
treat serious illness or emergency situations.
About MinuteClinic
Minneapolis-based MinuteClinic is a subsidiary of CVS Caremark Corporation
(NYSE: CVS), 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 more than 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 3 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 and only 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 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the oldest and largest
health insurer in the state serving over 3.6 million members. Horizon BCBSNJ
is New Jersey's only not-for-profit, health service corporation and is
headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.
Horizon BCBSNJ provides a broad array of health and dental insurance
products and services for individuals and small and large companies, including
national companies headquartered in New Jersey. Horizon BCBSNJ is committed
to improving the health care experience for all the communities we serve as
well as helping our members become and stay healthy.
Horizon BCBSNJ's Web site is located at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon
BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
CONTACT: Brent Burkhardt, TBC Public Relations, +1-410-986-1303,
bburkhardt@tbc.us; Daniel Emmer, Horizon BCBSNJ, +1-973-466-4805,
Daniel_Emmer@horizonblue.com/
/Web Site: http://www.minuteclinic.com /
