MinuteClinic praises practitioners for providing affordable medical treatment and quality patient-centered care

In celebration of National Nurse Practitioner Week (Nov. 8-14), MinuteClinic, the pioneer and largest provider of retail health care centers in the United States, salutes practitioners across the country who deliver patient-centered care and help to increase access to high-quality, affordable medical treatment.

MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants serve patients at about 500 MinuteClinic locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in 25 states.

"We have the strongest and best group of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the country," said Andrew Sussman, M.D., president of MinuteClinic. "We see evidence of their commitment every single day from patient comments, and we have research that shows the quality of care and service they provide is outstanding."

Since MinuteClinic launched the nation's first retail clinics in 2000, MinuteClinic practitioners have provided care for more than five million patient visits. They have helped MinuteClinic change the way Americans access health care services for common family illnesses and other medical treatment.

Sussman anticipates that MinuteClinic practitioners will continue to play a vital role in MinuteClinic's efforts to help close the gap in primary care.

"Our practitioners do a fantastic job with patient education which has allowed the MinuteClinic model to evolve beyond acute care to include wellness and prevention services," said Sussman. "We will continue to call on their training and expertise to expand our offerings into disease management services for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia."

MinuteClinic is one of the largest employers of nurse practitioners in the nation. The company actively supports the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American College of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Association's efforts to advance the profession.

"Nurse practitioners and physician assistants help Americans live better lives by achieving better health," said Donna Haugland, RN, CNP, chief nursing officer of MinuteClinic. "We are proud to work with these professional organizations and academic institutions throughout the country to develop educational programs, training and research that helps grow the profession so even more Americans can experience the great care and treatment nurse practitioners and physician assistants provide."

MinuteClinic health care centers are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in family health care and are trained to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, MMR, and Hepatitis A & B are available at all locations. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health.

Most MinuteClinic health care centers are open seven days a week and offer extended weekday evening hours. No appointment is necessary.