Bartell Drugs is collaborating with nonprofit health system Group Health Cooperative to open retail health clinics to Seattle and Bellevue, Wash.

To be called CareClinic: Group Health at Bartell Drugs, the walk-in medical clinics will be staffed by advanced registered nurse practitioners from Group Health and provide care for common minor illnesses and procedures. Three clinics are slated to open during the first quarter of 2014.

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs is collaborating with nonprofit health system Group Health Cooperative to open retail health clinics to Seattle and Bellevue, Wash.

To be called CareClinic: Group Health at Bartell Drugs, the walk-in medical clinics will be staffed by advanced registered nurse practitioners from Group Health and provide care for common minor illnesses and procedures for adults and children over age 2, the companies said Monday.

Plans call for three CareClinics to open between mid-January and early March 2014. The clinics will be located at Bartell’s Ballard and University Village stores in Seattle and at its Crossroads store in Bellevue. The Seattle-area drug chain has 62 stores overall.

"The CareClinics reflect our shared vision and commitment to customer service, innovation, improving health and wellness and community collaborations. We see this as a continuation of Bartell Drugs vision to bring new products and services to our customers," Bartell Drugs chairman and chief executive officer George Bartell said in a statement.

The CareClinics will offer on-demand health care for common minor illnesses and procedures, such as cold and flu, sinus infections, allergies, minor injuries (burns, rashes, and cuts), pink eye, sore throat, headaches, head lice, ringworms, warts, sprains and strains, bronchitis, ear infections, urinary tract infections, diarrhea and intestinal infections.

The companies noted that customers will have the convenience of in-store health services and access to Bartell Drugs’ pharmacy and basic medical supplies without making an additional trip.

"As consumers have increasing options for care, we’re also seeing increased demand for access that fits their lifestyles. Group Health and Bartell Drugs are uniquely positioned to meet that need," stated Scott Armstrong, president and CEO of Group Health Cooperative. “Since the CareClinics will accept almost all types of health coverage, this will be an opportunity for a broader range of consumers — not just Group Health members — to experience the high level of quality that Group Health is known and recognized for."

Bartell and Group Health added that, based on the success of the initial CareClinics, they will determine whether to open additional clinics.

"In many situations proactively treating minor health conditions can reduce or eliminate a need for more extensive, expensive care,” commented urgent care physician Wellesley Chapman, who is the medical director of delivery system innovation, development and business services for Group Health. "In addition, we’re excited to be able to integrate patients’ electronic health records into the services provided at these clinics so we can support and manage all the care they receive over time."