WOONSOCKET, R.I. – MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic of CVS Health, announced today that it has received its fifth consecutive accreditation by The Joint Commission, the Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation, demonstrating continuous compliance with its nationally recognized standards. MinuteClinic was the first national retail clinic provider to be accredited by The Joint Commission, receiving its initial accreditation in 2006. Since then, it has received four consecutive reaccreditations from the national health care evaluation and certifying agency.

The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval demonstrates MinuteClinic’s compliance with the organization’s national standards for ambulatory health care quality and safety. Valid for up to a three-year period, The Joint Commission accreditation applies to MinuteClinic’s 1,100 locations inside select CVS Pharmacy and Target stores in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

“MinuteClinic is incredibly proud to have again received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. This reaccreditation validates that we are delivering on our commitment to provide high-quality clinical care and to follow rigorous safety standards at all MinuteClinic locations across the country,” said Sharon Vitti, executive director, MinuteClinic and senior vice president, CVS Health. “With patient satisfaction ratings of 95 percent and clinical collaborations with more than 70 leading health systems throughout the country, we continue to demonstrate a consistent record of high-quality, coordinated care.”

Established in 1975, The Joint Commission’s Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation Program encourages high-quality patient care in all types of freestanding ambulatory care facilities. The Joint Commission’s ambulatory health care standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help organizations measure, assess and improve performance. Today, the Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation Program serves 2,100 ambulatory care providers, with more than 8,500 sites of care, which, in turn, serve more than 83 million patient visits annually.
“Joint Commission accreditation provides ambulatory care organizations with the processes contributing to improvements in a variety of areas from the enhancement of staff education to the demonstration of leading practices within the ambulatory setting,” said Pearl Darling, executive director, Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. “We commend MinuteClinic and its staff for achieving this pinnacle demonstrating a commitment to patient safety and quality. Your passion, dedication and tenacity can ultimately improve patient care. Thank you for your commitment to patient safety and entrusting The Joint Commission to assist you.”

Following The Joint Commission’s usual survey process, on-site evaluations were conducted at MinuteClinic locations across the U.S. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated MinuteClinic for compliance with standards for a variety of areas, including coordination of care, infection prevention and control, management of medications and patient education and training.
MinuteClinic locations inside select CVS Pharmacy and Target stores are open seven days a week with weekday and evening hours and are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds and abrasions, and sprains, strains and joint pain are treated, and common vaccinations for conditions such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia and hepatitis A and B are available.

Prevention and wellness services offered at MinuteClinic include screening and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, tuberculosis (TB) testing, contraceptive care, motion sickness prevention and smoking cessation. In addition, MinuteClinic nurse practitioners can evaluate and treat common skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis and rosacea.

At the conclusion of each MinuteClinic visit, patients receive educational material, a prescription (when clinically appropriate) and a visit summary. A copy of the diagnostic record can be sent electronically, or by fax or mail, to a primary care provider with patient permission. Most major health insurance is accepted at MinuteClinic. For patients paying cash or credit, treatment prices are posted at each clinic and online at www.minuteclinic.com. The cost for most services is between $89 and $129.