WOONSOCKET, R.I., April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS MinuteClinic, the largest and fastest growing retail clinic company in the U.S., announced today that it has surpassed 20 million patient visits since opening the nation's first store-based clinic in 2000.

Significant continued growth is anticipated in the coming years with the demand for more accessible and affordable health care services as a result of the Affordable Care Act, the primary care provider shortage and an aging Baby Boomer population. MinuteClinic expects to add 150 new clinic locations in 2014 in both existing and expansion markets, including those in several new states: Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. By 2017, MinuteClinic projects to have 1,500 clinics nationwide.

"With the first open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act now complete, it is evident that there are a number of market factors that are going to put even more pressure on our system to deliver timely and convenient care at rates that are affordable for consumers and third-party payers," said Andrew Sussman, M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "By continuing to expand in both clinic locations and services, we believe MinuteClinic is well positioned to meet this demand and support the work of primary care providers with innovative choices for care delivered in the retail setting."

In addition to clinic growth, MinuteClinic now has affiliations with 32 major health systems around the country, Sussman said. These affiliations include physician medical director collaboration, integration of electronic medical records and joint clinical programs.

MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions, skin conditions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia, pertussis and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. Walk-in camp, sports, college, DOT and other administrative physicals are available daily. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

"Behind this important milestone is a team of 2,500 practitioners and countless others in our organization who make it possible for MinuteClinic to deliver consistent, high-quality care 365 days a year," Sussman said. "And we are deeply appreciative of the continued support and feedback from our valued patients as MinuteClinic grows and evolves in its mission to improve health care delivery in the communities we serve."

MinuteClinic medical clinics are open seven days a week, including weekday evening hours. No appointments are required at MinuteClinic and most health insurance is accepted.

About MinuteClinic
MinuteClinic is a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. MinuteClinic launched the first retail medical clinics in the United States in 2000 and is the largest provider of retail clinics with more than 800 locations in 28 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to patient demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has provided care through more than 20 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic is the only retail health care provider to receive three consecutive accreditations from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com.

SOURCE MinuteClinic