An excellent Medical Plan Alternative

There are times when you know you need medical attention — but you also know you probably don’t need a hospital emergency room.

By Ruth DiTucci at SyndicatedNews | SNN.BZ

That middle ground is exactly where CVS MinuteClinic is an appealing option for patients looking for convenient, professional healthcare without automatically heading to a hospital.

Located inside many CVS Pharmacy locations and other select retail locations, MinuteClinic is designed primarily for non-emergency illnesses, minor injuries, screenings and routine health needs. Patients are generally treated by nurse practitioners or physician associates who are qualified to evaluate and treat many common, non-life-threatening conditions. CVS says its MinuteClinic providers can diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans and, when medically appropriate, prescribe medications.

That can make MinuteClinic particularly useful for the everyday problems that leave people wondering, “Do I really need to go to the hospital for this?” CVS lists treatment and evaluation for conditions including colds, flu-like symptoms, sore and strep throat, sinus problems, bronchitis, ear infections, pink eye, urinary-tract infections, digestive problems and a variety of skin conditions.

The clinics aren’t limited to treating someone who wakes up sick. MinuteClinic offers vaccinations, physical examinations, blood-pressure and cholesterol screenings, TB testing and other preventive services. CVS also lists chronic-condition services involving conditions such as hypertension and asthma, along with sports, camp and DOT physicals.

Convenience may be the biggest attraction. CVS says MinuteClinic locations are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, although individual clinic hours vary. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can also be arranged. For someone who cannot conveniently get into a primary-care physician’s office, having a medical provider available inside a neighborhood pharmacy can eliminate a considerable amount of inconvenience.

Then there is the question almost every patient eventually asks: What is this going to cost me? CVS publishes prices for many MinuteClinic services and says its convenient care costs less than other health-care providers. Prices depend on the service, testing and insurance coverage, so patients should check the current price before treatment rather than assuming a particular amount. MinuteClinic accepts most insurance plans, according to CVS, although patients are advised to verify that their particular plan and service are covered.

A healthy single person seeking a medical insurance plan should expect to pay a minimum of $800 monthly whether they use their health plan or not. A MinuteClinic cost anywhere froom $89 to $200 usd. That means that if used for 3 visits in any given month, the cost would still be less than a standard Medical plan considering that you wouldn’t pay anything at all when you don’t need medical care.

MinuteClinic has also expanded beyond the pharmacy itself. CVS offers Virtual Care for eligible conditions, allowing patients to speak with a licensed provider by video using a computer, tablet or smartphone. CVS currently advertises a $89 cash-pay price for most eligible Virtual Care visits, with insurance accepted for eligible services. That means some patients may be able to receive an evaluation without leaving home at all.

There is, however, an important dividing line. MinuteClinic is not an emergency room. Retail clinics generally do not have the extensive diagnostic equipment and emergency resources found in hospitals. Chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, major trauma, signs of stroke or another potentially life-threatening condition belong in an emergency setting. CVS specifically directs patients experiencing a medical emergency to call 911 or seek emergency care.

For the right medical problem, however, the concept is remarkably simple: instead of automatically spending hours navigating a hospital emergency department for a minor illness or routine medical need, patients have another door they can walk through. CVS MinuteClinic has turned part of the neighborhood pharmacy into a front door to everyday health care — and sometimes that is exactly the amount of medicine you need.

Find a CVS MinuteClinic or schedule a visit