CareClinic receives Health Care Award; Bartell Drugs to expand service over next 18 months

SEATTLE, Wash. — CareClinic, a convenient walk-in healthcare service partnering Bartell Drugs with Group Health Cooperative, has received top honors for “Innovation in Health Care Delivery” at the 2015 Leaders in Health Care Awards recently conducted by Seattle Business Magazine.



Currently located within Bartell Drugs locations in Ballard, University Village and Crossroads, CareClinic provides an affordable way for people to receive immediate care for many minor medical needs with the ease of a neighborhood walk-in location. The retail clinics are open to everyone age 2 years and older, and most insurance plans are accepted.



In the year since CareClinic locations first opened, patient usage has tripled. January 2015 was the busiest month for the inaugural three locations in the University Village, Crossroads in Bellevue and Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Bartell Drugs and Group Health now plan to add new CareClinic locations in Bartell Drug stores over the next 18 months, adding the service to the north, south, east and west of Seattle.



“The CareClinic partnership between two Seattle-based organizations is a great example of innovation and collaboration to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said George Bartell, chairman and CEO. “While it’s an exciting business model, the ultimate goal is the healt- and-wellness of patients.”



“Group Health allows consumers to seek care on their terms, whether in the doctor’s office, by email, through virtual and mobile phone applications, or in neighborhood gathering places, like Bartell Drugs,” said Scott Armstrong, Group Health president and CEO. “We are pleased to expand our existing relationship with Bartell and broaden the access points where consumers can receive the quality and affordable care they’ve come to know at Group Health.”



The CareClinic joint venture was among 19 organizations across Washington State spotlighted at the awards dinner for top honors or Silver Awards. Honorees included hospitals, physician groups, research institutions or community programs.