MinuteClinic launches digital tool that lets patients hold place in line
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — MinuteClinic on Thursday announced the introduction of its new digital tool that allows patients to see wait times at most locations and hold a place in line using their smartphone, computer or tablet.
The service has launched for all MinuteClinics inside CVS Pharmacy Locations and Long Drugs in Hawaii, and the company plans to roll it out to Target-based clinics later this year.
“Since introducing the first store-based, walk-in clinics in 2000, MinuteClinic has consistently developed new ways to evolve its model to make health care services more convenient for today's consumer," CVS MinuteClinic president and CVS Health EVP and associate chief medical officer Dr. Andrew Sussman said.”"We know patients are demanding added convenience as they interact with the health care system. The option to hold a place in line gives patients more choices and flexibility and will allow for prompt care when arriving at our clinics. We think of it as the ‘cure for the common wait.’”
Patients who use the new tool begin by viewing wait times at the clinic they’re planning to visit, then enter the reason for their visit and an email address or phone number. They are then sent a confirmation code and reminder messages via email or text, and are given an estimated time to arrive at the clinic, where they will sign in using a kiosk and their confirmation code.
The new easier way to check into a MinuteClinic location is happening alongside an expansion in clinical services. In particular, MinuteClinic is working on expanding women’s health and counseling services to include contraception, allowing patients over 18 years of age (19 in some states) to see a MinuteClinic practitioner to discuss starting birth control or changing their current birth control method. And with the expanded services, MinuteClinic has seen increased patient demand, which was the impetus behind the new digital tool.
“We've worked closely with our collaborating physicians, health system affiliates, and our practitioner team to develop a consistent and thoughtful approach to expand and introduce new services that are within the scope of practice of our nurse practitioners and physician assistants,” Sussman said. “We employ evidence-based guidelines in our treatment plans. Having seen more than 30 million visits in 16 years, we hope to continue to bring innovations and convenience to the way health care is delivered today.”