MinuteClinic offers free A1c tests in line with American Diabetes Month

WOONSOCKET, R.I. In recognition of American Diabetes Month in November, MinuteClinic is offering complimentary A1c tests beginning Oct. 25 through Nov. 25, CVS Caremark has announced. The free tests, sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care, are available while supplies last.

"Our goal is to provide convenient locations where the more than 24 million Americans with diabetes can walk in and see a practitioner to receive advice and basic testing to help them better monitor their condition," stated Andrew Sussman, president of MinuteClinic and SVP/associate chief medical officer of CVS Caremark. "The A1c test is the best measure available to assess a diabetic patient's immediate condition and determine whether any changes in treatment and lifestyle habits are needed. With more than 1.6 million new diabetics diagnosed each year, the need for providing more accessible options to help patients monitor their condition is critical."

As part of the complimentary A1c test, MinuteClinic practitioners will check a patient's vital signs, review medical history and administer the blood test. Results are available within five minutes and are discussed with the patient. A visit summary that includes the A1c test results is made available to primary care providers with patient permission. Visit summaries typically are sent within 24 hours via electronic medical record, fax or mail.

In addition to daily self-testing of glucose levels, diabetics should receive regular A1c tests that measure their average blood glucose levels over a two- to three-month period, the company stated. The American Diabetes Association advised that patients keep their A1c level below 7%.