MinuteClinic Named Official Sports Physical Provider Of USA Football

WOONSOCKET, R.I., July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic, a division of CVS Caremark and the largest and fastest growing provider of walk-in medical clinics in the United States, announced today a joint marketing and sponsorship agreement with USA Football, football's national governing body. As part of this agreement, MinuteClinic has been named USA Football's official sports physical provider.

Through the affiliation, all USA Football members, who reside in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., can receive a special discount when they obtain their sports physical at MinuteClinic year-round. A coupon will be made available to members and must be presented at the time of visit to receive the discount. For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com/USAFootball.

Sports physicals at MinuteClinic are offered seven days a week with no appointment necessary inside more than 850 select CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide. Certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in family health care administer exams at MinuteClinic. Now through Sept. 30, sports physicals are offered at a reduced price of $39. USA Football members receive an additional $5 off when they present the coupon.

"USA Football is a national leader and innovator in promoting health and safety among youth athletes, which sets a standard for football organizations and other sports to follow," said Nancy Gagliano, M.D., MinuteClinic chief medical officer. "We are proud to be associated with a like-minded organization that puts player safety first and shares in our goal to help youth athletes stay healthy and play their best."

USA Football's Medical Advisory Committee, an expert group of doctors with backgrounds in orthopedics, sports medicine, neurological injury, rehabilitation medicine, athletic training, sports cardiology, hydration and environmental issues and exercise science, recommends that all youth and high school athletes receive a sports physical prior to the start of a new playing year. A sports physical should not replace an annual wellness physical with a primary care provider.

"It's important for young athletes to get checked before the start of a new season," said Dr. Patrick Kersey, USA Football medical director and physician for Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Sports Performance. "Sports physicals play an important role in identifying high-risk disorders or conditions that might affect an athlete's health and safety."

MinuteClinic Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer Angela Patterson said parents can expect a thorough examination at MinuteClinic.

"During the visit, our trained practitioners perform a comprehensive medical history review, check to see if immunizations are up to date, and measure height and weight," Patterson said.  "Practitioners will then assess vital signs and perform a thorough physical examination which includes an assessment of the patient's neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and dermatologic health."

The visit is an overall assessment aimed at identifying athletes that may be at risk for further injury or illness due to sports participation, according to Patterson.  Athletes identified as being at-risk are referred for additional medical evaluation prior to allowing them to participate.

MinuteClinic practitioners also take time to answer questions and share educational tips about the importance of stretching, hydrating and avoiding overexertion, according to Patterson. Once a child is cleared to participate, MinuteClinic practitioners will provide a patient visit summary and complete the provided USA Football medical history form that indicates that the child has passed the physical exam. Copies of the patient visit summary can be transmitted by electronic record, fax or mail to the youth's pediatrician or primary care provider with parental permission. Typically this occurs within 24 hours.

In addition to being the official sports physical provider of USA Football, MinuteClinic is the official retail medical clinic of USA Football. MinuteClinic also is the official sports physical provider for Pop Warner Little Scholars, a USA Football supporter and non-profit organization that provides youth football, dance and cheerleading programs across the country.

USA Football is the national governing body of the sport. Nearly 2,800 youth football organizations – more than a quarter of America's youth football landscape – signed up for Heads Up Football in 2013. Rooted in education, Heads Up Football brings the entire football community – coaches, parents and players – together in setting new standards for coaching education, concussion recognition and response, heat preparedness and hydration, equipment fitting and proper tackling fundamentals. The program is open to all youth leagues and high schools.

MinuteClinic also offers camp, college and administrative physicals on a daily basis at locations around the country. Insurance is not accepted for physical exams. Payment is due at time of the visit (additional lab charges may apply).

About USA Football
Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is the sport's national governing body, leading the game's development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education. USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics.

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