Retail Clinics

WASHINGTON — As the interest in telemedicine programs continues to grow, a recent Rand study found that people who are younger, more affluent and do not have established healthcare relationships are more likely to use a telemedicine program that allows patients to get medical help for acute ailments — including prescriptions — by talking to a doctor over the telephone.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In support of the health and well-being of its patients and customers, CVS Caremark announced on Wednesday that it will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores across the United States by Oct. 1, making CVS/pharmacy the first national pharmacy chain to take this step. It also will undertake a robust national smoking-cessation program that will launch in the spring.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens announced on Thursday that it is expanding its relationship with technology company Inovalon to implement its patient assessment tool and technology platform to support improvements in care, quality and risk score accuracy programs across more than 400 Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens locations.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A proposed state health department regulation that would require children up to ages 5 years and older to get an annual flu immunization and would keep those with medical exemptions out of school or day care during flu outbreaks has received opposition from the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, according to the Associated Press.

NEW YORK — Recognizing the vital role that retail-based health clinics play in today’s healthcare system, the Scattergood Foundation is exploring the most effective way to integrate mental health care into retail clinics through its 2014 Design Challenge.

NEW YORK — The Veterans Health Administration is weighing new guidelines that would enable nurse practitioners with advanced education to practice medicine without direct supervision by physicians — a move that is being applauded by the dean of Columbia University School of Nursing.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The Little Clinic opened earlier this month a new clinic in Colorado in the Parker King Soopers.
 
"Access to quality, convenient health care is becoming increasingly important as more and more consumers enter the healthcare marketplace," said Ken Patric, chief medical officer for The Little Clinic. "Patient response in Colorado has been tremendously positive and continued growth in the region is a natural progression for The Little Clinic."
 

NASHVILLE — The Little Clinic, which operates retail health clinics inside select Kroger stores, recently expanded its geographic reach with new clinics in Tennessee and Ohio.

"Increasing our footprint in Middle Tennessee is important so that we can serve more patients close to where they live, work and shop," stated Ken Patric, chief medical officer for The Little Clinic. "The Little Clinic is a convenient, quality resource for the community."