Walgreens partners with Providence Health & Services on clinic expansion

DEERFIELD, Ill. and SEATTLE — Washington and Oregon Walgreens locations will be getting new retail clinics through a new partnership with Providence Health and Services announced Thursday. The partnership will see three new Swedish Express Care and Providence Express Care clinics open in Portland-and Seattle-area stores in early 2016. 

 

The two companies have plans to expand the number of clinics over the course of the next two years, potentially adding 25 clinics to Walgreens locations in the areas. With the partnership, Walgreens is harnessing Providence’s name recognition in the region to create a more coordinated care effort for retail clinics and move them beyond urgent care. 

 

“This is a reflection of our efforts to develop deeper and more strategic relationships with our health system partners,” Walgreens’ group VP for healthcare clinics Jeff Koziel said. “Collaboration among providers is key in today’s health care environment, to help ensure continuity of patient care and to provide greater convenience and access for patients.”

 

Seattle-area clinics will be branded as Swedish Express Care at Walgreens and be staffed by Providence affiliate Swedish Health Services. Other clinics will be branded as Providence Express Care at Walgreens. The clinics will utilize the company’s electronic health record platform to ensure a smooth visit, and coordinate information and care between visits to optimize a patient’s health management. Clinics will be open seven days a week with extended hours to allow for same-day appointments and walk-ins who need treatment for common illnesses and injuries. 

 

“Accessing quality health care should be convenient and simple,” Providence SVP of physician services Mike Waters, Providence. “We believe this collaboration is a solution for health care providers to better serve populations. With Walgreens nationwide footprint and deep understanding of patients’ needs, together we can ease the way for consumers and ultimately, create healthier communities.”

 

The two companies will also create a council that will explore ways for Providence to take part in Walgreens’ national retail clinic and pharmacy programs, and look at ways to integrate retail health services into customer experiences at Walgreens.