MinuteClinic has the cure for summer ailments

Erik Carlson, a New Jersey advertising executive, couldn’t bear the pain in his ear any longer. He didn’t need an emergency room, but he also couldn’t wait for an appointment with his doctor, so he headed to an urgent care clinic to be treated for swimmer’s ear.

Erik didn’t realize there was another option — CVS Health’s MinuteClinic.

Boasting evening, weekend and sometimes even holiday hours, MinuteClinic serves as a first stop for nonurgent health care needs like minor illnesses and injuries, physicals for college, camp and sports activities, health screenings and immunizations.

“Summer travel is a time when some unexpected ailments may come up — things like poison ivy, swimmer’s ear, jellyfish stings and mosquito and tick bites,” says Angela Patterson, DNP, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic. “Oftentimes, these can be treated with basic over-the-counter treatments, but if you need additional advice or treatment, MinuteClinic locations are a great place to seek care.”

Watch this MinuteClinic Health Tips in a Minute video about mosquito bites and West Nile virus:

Not only does MinuteClinic offer professional care with convenient access, the cost to patients is 40% less than urgent care, according to the Urgent Care Association’s 2018 Benchmark Report, and up to 85% less than the emergency room for comparable services.¹

Watch this MinuteClinic Health Tips in a Minute video about treating a poison ivy rash:

With more than 1,100 locations in 35 states and Washington, D.C., MinuteClinic is staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who can diagnose, treat and prescribe for acute and chronic conditions. In addition to walk-in services, you can also schedule appointments online and most insurance is accepted.

MinuteClinic also provides two types of virtual care services — E-Clinic and Video Visits — allowing you to see a licensed medical provider via your phone or computer. Video Visits are available 24/7, so you can be seen anytime; E-Clinic visits are offered from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Both options work especially well when you are traveling in remote areas where other care options aren’t available.

Watch this MinuteClinic Health Tips in a Minute video about how to remove a tick:

Traveling to a foreign country? MinuteClinic can help you prepare for your trip. “It’s also important to check to see which countries are allowing visitors and what their current COVID-19 protocol is,” adds Angela. “MinuteClinic locations are a safe and accessible destination for any patients that may need to seek care — either in-person or virtually.”