Shorewood CVS Takes Walk-in Patients

Can't get in to see your regular doctor? Is it after hours or a holiday? In town visiting? Shorewood now has another option.

The CVS on Jefferson at River Road now offers quick, convenient healthcare. The new Minute Clinic opened June 22.

"They are able to complete the exam, diagnose or push medication as needed," said District Manager Erin Buckley.

The clinic is staffed by a family nurse practitioner. The public can walk in to treat minor illnesses such sinus, bladder or upper respiratory infections. The clinic can also treat strep throat, give vaccines or perform student physicals.

In the event other services are needed, such as x-rays or diagnosing irregular heart beats, the Minute Clinic will refer patients to other places, Buckley said.

The clinic does not replace a primary care physician.

"We want to facilitate a relationship with a primary care physician," Buckley explained.

The clinic has a computerized physician's link. When a patient comes in, they can provide the clinic with their doctor name. Then the clinic automatically sends the doctor the patient's chart electronically.

This is especially helpful for people who are visiting from out of state, Buckley said.

The clinic is a room located inside the CVS near the pharmacy. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. They sign in on a touch-screen computer and wait their turn on a bench.

The nurse practitioner escorts the next patient into a private room with an exam table. The history is taken and the medical charting is done on a computer right there. The entire exam takes about 20 minutes.

Prescriptions can be filled either at CVS or at another pharmacy.

CVS accepts all major insurance. Most visits start around $79, Buckley explained. CVS will bill the insurance. Co-pay fees are paid at the time of service. Unlike some doctors' offices, patients will not receive a bill afterward.

Pricing for services and vaccines is available at www.minuteclinic.com.