Learning about MinuteClinics

By Mary O’KEEFE

Some may have seen the MinuteClinics at CVS Pharmacies but not know what they really are all about. Most know CVS offers flu shots but the MinuteClinics can provide so much more.

“Everything that runs the scope of nurse practitioners,” said Myriam Boutary, MinuteClinic nurse practitioner and Los Angeles-area manager.

She added MinuteClinics take a more holistic approach from administering immunizations to prescribing medications for pink eye, flu and ear infections. The on-site nurse practitioners can focus on preventive care and address a patient’s management of diabetes and blood pressure.

“We are a walk-in model and sometimes people confuse us with an ER [Emergency Room],” Boutary said.

MinuteClinics are not an ER. They don’t have X-rays or ultrasound.

“But we really do a good job [figuring] out what is going on [with a person],” she added.

Nurse practitioners are able to prescribe medication and take care of many issues that relieve traffic at urgent care and ER facilities. They see patients from 18 months of age and older.

MinuteClinics, though, will not replace a person’s primary care doctor.

“Many folks have a primary physician and/or care center, but sometimes that takes hours, days or weeks to [get an appointment] or you live far away,” she said.

MinuteClinics are nearby and lines are usually shorter than at doctors’ offices.

“We are different. Many of our clinics are adjacent to the pharmacy; we have two rooms. When patients walk up, they sign up at the kiosk,” Boutary said.

Boutary said the MinuteClinics offer a personal touch, from the moment the patient signs in and overseeing the initial care, like taking vital signs and getting information on the patient’s condition.

“Patients really enjoy having someone with them from start to finish,” she said.

The majority of patients, 80% to 85%, are insured. Boutary suggests patients call ahead to see if the clinic accepts their insurance.

“The best way is to call their own insurance and ask if the [MinuteClinic] is part of their network,” she added. “Patients can pay out of pocket and with more insurance companies having a high deductible that is a good option.”

Service at MinuteClinics are also usually cheaper than at most medical facilities.

The clinic might be a good option especially during the current flu and cold season.

“The reality is [during] the holidays everyone gathers,” she said. And that means illness spreads easily.

“Be wise,” Boutary advised. “If you are not feeling well, try to limit your contact with others.”

The one thing Boutary would like people to take away from this flu season is to get the flu shot.

“Even if you come down with the flu, get the flu shot,” she said.

She added people may have one strain of flu, but getting the flu shot can protect from other strains.

“Flu comes in very quickly. A cold is slow, but with the flu you can say, ‘I was fine yesterday and I woke up today and feel like a truck hit me,’” she said. “A shot can reduce the severity … We can’t stop [the flu] in its tracks, but we can slow it down.”

For more information, including insurance coverage, contact MinuteClinic at (866) 389-2727. The closest MinuteClinic in Crescenta Valley is at 2037 Verdugo Blvd., Montrose. There is also one at 511 Hollywood Way, Burbank and 1401 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

  Mary Okeefe