MinuteClinic Offers Free Comprehensive Diabetes Monitoring Package to Help Diabetics Stay Healthy

WOONSOCKET, R.I., June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores across the United States are offering a free comprehensive diabetes monitoring package this summer.

The complimentary monitoring package administered by a MinuteClinic practitioner includes: hemoglobin A1c and blood glucose test, blood pressure check, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol test, comprehensive foot exam, and microalbumin test (kidney function check). The practitioner will also conduct a review of lifestyle factors and give immediate results and recommendations.

"MinuteClinic's diabetes monitoring services provide the care diabetics need in between visits to a primary care provider," says Nancy Gagliano, MinuteClinic chief medical officer. "For the more than 25.8 million Americans with diabetes, we believe MinuteClinic can be a valuable, long-term member of the patient care team, working in tandem with physicians and other medical professionals to ensure that diabetics can access the care they need to stay on top of their condition."

Diabetes patients who take advantage of the diabetes monitoring package will each receive an ACCU-CHEK 360 degree View tool to take with them. The simple tracking tool provides a quick snapshot of a patient's blood sugar patterns – something that can't be done simply by looking at a logbook – and also helps with monitoring meal sizes and energy and activity levels at specific times.

MinuteClinic also offers comprehensive health condition monitoring services for individuals diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and asthma.

In addition, MinuteClinic practitioners 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 for influenza, tetanus, pneumonia, pertussis and Hepatitis A & B are offered at each location. Walk-in camp, sports and college physicals for adolescents are available daily.

No appointment is necessary to see a practitioner. MinuteClinic is open seven days a week, including weekday evening hours.

For details about the diabetes monitoring package and availability of services and to find a MinuteClinic location, visit www.minuteclinic.com/diabetes. The free monitoring package is available through August 31, 2011 or while supplies last and is not offered in Maryland or Massachusetts. Patients must be 18 years of age or older and there is a limit of one monitoring package per customer.

Roche, the maker of ACCU-CHEK® products, is sponsoring the free MinuteClinic comprehensive diabetes monitoring package program.

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 health care centers in the United States in 2000 and is the first provider to establish a national presence, with approximately 500 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than nine million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating.  MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed national guidelines.  MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive accreditation (2006) and reaccreditation (2009) from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.  For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com.

SOURCE MinuteClinic