Primary care access in the U.S. is facing a critical challenge: One in three people have health care needs that haven’t been addressed. At the same time, new-patient appointment wait times aren’t coming down. As demand continues to rise, Rush Health is partnering with MinuteClinic, the medical clinic located inside select CVS Pharmacy stores, to offer a convenient, easy-to-access solution.
MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants offer same-day primary care appointments in addition to walk-in sick care at locations across Illinois to increase access to high-quality primary care.
As advanced practice providers who are well-equipped to manage end-to-end care with a focus on prevention and wellness, MinuteClinic NPs and PAs provide regularly scheduled health maintenance visits, recommended screenings, and management of existing chronic conditions. Their extensive training also allows them to diagnose and treat common illnesses, order and interpret medical tests, and refer patients to specialists when needed.
In addition to primary and preventive care services, MinuteClinic locations will offer enhanced access to Rush Health’s hospitals, specialists, diagnostic and radiology facilities, and specialty labs for comprehensive care coordination.
How patients will receive care
- New patient visit: Patients who choose MinuteClinic as their primary care provider begin with an annual preventive exam during which MinuteClinic providers conduct a full exam and complete any necessary screenings.
- Upgraded technology: Patients who opt in to the electronic health record system will give their providers a fuller picture of their medical history. Rush Health and MinuteClinic providers will then have a comprehensive view of the patient’s medical history, allowing them to connect for a more coordinated care experience.
- Ongoing care: Patients can access MinuteClinic to get continued support for acute needs, chronic condition monitoring and preventive care.
- Flexible scheduling: The clinics will have same-day appointments available for primary care.
Integrated care teams: Expanded care teams include an NP or PA, licensed vocational nurse, population health coordinator, and board-certified collaborating physician. Together, they support continuous patient-centered care. - Specialist referrals: Patients can choose to access Rush Health for continuing and follow-up care, giving access to Rush Health’s nationally recognized hospitals, specialists and diagnostic facilities. Patients are free to choose where they receive their follow-up care.
- Ongoing support: In between visits, patients can connect digitally with MinuteClinic care teams and receive outreach by population health coordinators.
Together, MinuteClinic and Rush Health are making health care more accessible in our communities, while meeting the growing demand for primary care.
Rush Health is a clinically integrated network of physicians and hospitals that includes Riverside Medical Center, Rush Copley Medical Center, Rush Oak Park Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and over 140 physician practices.
