Primary care access in the U.S. is facing a critical challenge. More than 100 million Americans – roughly one-third of the population – have unmet preventive health care needs. At the same time, new-patient appointment wait times are at record highs, and primary care shortages already impact 75 million people1 nationwide. With demand continuing to rise, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates (PAs) are playing a greater role in health care delivery.
MinuteClinic, the medical clinic located inside select CVS Pharmacy stores across the U.S., is evolving into a primary care model, while continuing to offer walk-in sick care. In select states, its workforce of NPs and PAs now deliver primary care, making it easier for patients to establish continuous care with a trusted provider.
What is MinuteClinic Primary Care?
Launched in 2024, MinuteClinic Primary Care offers high-quality, accessible and convenient adult primary care in certain states through affiliations with several health systems and payer partners. Nearly half of MinuteClinic locations now offer primary care, connecting patients to ongoing care in their local communities.
How MinuteClinic Delivers Primary Care
- Provider role: MinuteClinic Primary Care NPs and PAs focus on prevention and manage end-to-end care, which includes regular health maintenance visits, recommended screenings, and addressing chronic conditions. To support their providers in this new care model, MinuteClinic introduced new training and care flows. Oversight from board-certified collaborating physicians helps ensure high standards of care.
- New patient visit: Patients who choose MinuteClinic as their primary care provider begin with an annual preventative exam where providers conduct a full exam and complete any necessary screenings.
- Ongoing care: Patients receive continued support for acute needs, chronic condition monitoring and preventive care.
- Specialist referrals: Patients are free to choose where they receive their follow-up care. MinuteClinic affiliations with select health systems helps patients access hospitals, specialists and diagnostic facilities, when needed. Referral care coordination is supported through MinuteClinic’s care team and Electronic Health Record (EHR).
How MinuteClinic Primary Care Differs from Traditional MinuteClinic Services
- Upgraded technology: An enhanced EHR system tracks patient wellness, identifies care gaps and enables seamless referrals. MinuteClinic uses one of the most widely adopted EHRs in the U.S, allowing their providers to have a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history and connect with the patient’s other providers for a more coordinated care experience.
- Flexible scheduling: An upgraded scheduling system allows same-day appointments at any MinuteClinic location offering in-network primary care.
- Integrated care teams: Expanded care teams can include a NP or PA, licensed vocational nurse, population health coordinator, and board-certified collaborating physician who oversees the practice. Together, they support continuous patient-centered care.
- Ongoing support: In between visits, patients can connect digitally with care teams and receive outreach by population health coordinators.
- Tackling the Primary Care Shortage with Advanced Practice Providers: MinuteClinic is one of the nation’s largest employers of board-certified advanced practice providers (APPs). APPs, including NPs and PAs, are highly trained medical professionals who are well-equipped to address gaps in primary care access. Like PCPs, NPs can administer vaccines, perform physical exams, and educate patients about health concerns. Their extensive training allows them to diagnose and treat common illnesses, order and interpret medical tests, and refer patients to specialists when needed.
How MinuteClinic Primary Care Is Improving Access and Satisfaction
Nationally, one in three people do not have a PCP, and one in five adults rely on emergency departments for needs that could be addressed in a primary care setting. With an APP-led care model, in-person clinics, and a robust national virtual care practice, MinuteClinic is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for primary care access.
MinuteClinic locations consistently achieve a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of over 80 – well above the health care industry average – and overall patient satisfaction scores above 90%. These results underscore that patients value the care they receive and see MinuteClinic as a trusted resource for their long-term health needs.
