Press Release

WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic, the largest provider of retail-based medical clinics in the United States, has opened two walk-in medical clinics inside CVS/pharmacy stores in San Antonio.  A third clinic is slated to open later this year. The clinics operate seven days a week including weekday evenings and no appointment is necessary.

MinuteClinic launched its first retail clinics in Texas in 2006 and now has 45 walk-in clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in the Austin, Dallas Fort-Worth, Houston and San Antonio markets.

Andrew Sussman, M.D., president, MinuteClinic and senior vice president/ associate chief medical officer, CVS Caremark Corporation, believes MinuteClinic can help alleviate the severe primary care shortage that is expected to worsen over the coming decade in Texas.

"Our innovative model of care can be part of the solution to help broaden access to high quality, convenient and affordable health care services in the San Antonio community and elsewhere in the state," Sussman said.

The clinics are staffed by MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants who 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 and hepatitis A & B are available at most 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 and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Most health insurance is accepted. For patients paying cash or credit, treatment prices are posted at each clinic and on www.minuteclinic.com. The cost for most treatment starts at $79.

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.

MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics in San Antonio operate from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Clinic locations are:

9140 Guilbeau Road, San Antonio
22202 Bulverde Road, San Antonio

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 patient demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has provided care to more than 11 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. 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

Carolyn Castel, CVS Caremark, +1-401-770-5717, ccastel@cvs.com; or Brent Burkhardt, +1-410-986-1303, bburkhardt@tbc.us, or Pam Gorsuch, +1-410-986-1219, pgorsuch@tbc.us, both of TBC (for MinuteClinic)