One of the many challenges facing today’s busy parents is the inevitable illness that befalls our little ones. Having to sit in a doctor’s office for two hours further stresses both parent and child. But there is help. If you are looking for quick, convenient and affordable care for many common illnesses like ear infections, pink eye and strep throat you may have to look no further than your local pharmacy.
MinuteClinics are springing up across the country in local retail pharmacies (like CVS and Target) as well as in corporate offices and supermarkets. MinuteClinics offer care to anyone 18 months or older. Each clinic has a directory that lists the conditions they treat along with their costs, ranging from $28 to $110 (most cost around $50). The good news is that most major health insurance companies consider them as being in-network, which means patients typically pay the same as an office visit co-payment.
Quick, is the name of the game with wait times typically just a few minutes and visits lasting on about 15 minutes. If you need a prescription, MinuteClinic practitioners are able to write you one and since the clinics are located within a pharmacy, you don’t have to waste additional time, you can get your prescription filled right there. Another added convenience is that the clinics are open seven days a week from 8 am until 8 pm.
As of May, clinics are located in:
Orlando, Fl
Atlanta, GA
Indianapolis, IN
Baltimore, MD
Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh & Durham, NC
Columbus, OH
Nashville, TN
Seattle, WA
MinuteClincs was founded in 2000 as QuickMedex by Rick Kreiger and partners Dr. Douglas Smith and Steve Pontius. The previous year Kreiger had spent two hours in an urgent care center with his sick son. After the experience he argued that there had to be a more convenient way to treat common illnesses. The idea took off and the company was able to offer their services in clinics in a number of states in Target and CVS pharmacies. The company continues to expand with more locations opening in the near future.
To find a MinuteClinic in your area visit www.minuteclinic.com.