Take Care Health Systems looking to boost retail clinic services

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, is looking to take the seasonality out of the retail-based clinic business by introducing additional services and bolstering its integration with the medical community.

"Invariably, flu season is the busiest time for Take Care Clinics, but we are focused on providing year-round service to patients, filling a distinct need for greater access to high-quality health care," said Peter Miller, president and CEO Take Care Health Systems. "To that end, for two years we have been focused on taking the seasonality out of the business."

According to Miller, such initiatives include:

• A pilot program in a portion of Tampa and Orlando clinics, aligning Walgreens specialty pharmaceutical business to position Take Care Clinics as an administration site for the injection and infusion of specialty drugs. For instance, those who suffer from allergic asthma can receive their Xolair injection treatment at the clinic, as well as infusion of Reclast for osteoporosis.

• Potential opportunities to integrate with the medical community for disease stabilization services around hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

The company also noted that most of its mature clinics either already are profitable or expect to be profitable two to three years from opening.

"We are very pleased with the performance of our clinics," Miller said. "We understand the need to grow awareness in communities through year-round, convenient offerings. Moreover, we recognize the introduction of new services furthers our opportunity to truly impact the communities in which we serve, leading to greater health system reform."

Take Care Health Systems currently manages more than 700 clinics and worksite health and wellness centers, including 338 Take Care Clinics at Walgreens stores in 35 markets throughout 19 states.