Walk-in Spring Sports Physicals Offered for Young Athletes Seven Days a Week at MinuteClinic Medical Clinics

WOONSOCKET, R.I., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sign-ups are underway for baseball, softball, lacrosse and other spring sports adding physical exams to parents' to-do lists before kids take the field. MinuteClinic medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores across the U.S. are making it easy and affordable by offering sports physicals seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, with no appointment necessary.

Pre-participation physicals, required by many states, schools and recreation leagues, are administered by MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in family health care.

"Our clinicians perform a thorough assessment of a child's health that includes a review of medical history, immunizations, height and weight, followed by a physical exam," said Paulette Thabault, MinuteCinic Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer.  "We also offer useful recommendations to help parents and children prevent illness or injury during organized sports, such as information on proper hydration and the importance of stretching before and after practice and games."

Once a child is cleared to play, MinuteClinic practitioners stamp any required forms and reference the exam results on the official patient summary.  With patient permission, copies of the medical record can be transmitted by electronic record, fax or mail to a primary care provider. Typically this occurs within 24 hours. Sports physicals should not replace an annual wellness visit with a primary care provider, according to Thabault.

In addition to sports physicals, MinuteClinic offers camp, college, administrative and Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals on a daily basis at most of its CVS/pharmacy locations around the country. Insurance is not accepted for physical exams. Payment is due at the time of the visit (additional lab charges may apply). Requirements for physicals vary by state and services are not available in Massachusetts.

Through Sept. 30, 2012, MinuteClinic will offer sports and camp physicals at $49 ($10 off the standard price of $59).  Coaches, athletic directors and team and group leaders can help participants take advantage of an additional $5 discount for teams or groups of 12 or more that register in advance at http://www.minuteclinic.com/physicals.

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 600 locations in 25 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 generated more than 11 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. 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