Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Walgreens - "Take Care Clinics" coming to Chicago

Chain stores, supermarkets and shopping malls are shaking up medicine by opening health clinics that are remarkably consumer friendly.

The walk-in clinics require no appointment and little or no waiting for treatment of minor ailments such as flu, bladder infections and sprains. They're open nights and weekends.

Prices are posted, and the bills are surprisingly reasonable.

At least nine companies, with names such as MinuteClinic and RediClinic, have opened hundreds of retail clinics in the last few years.

TAKE CARE CLINICS

The clinics will offer these services when they open at 20 Chicago area Walgreens stores this fall.

Here's the "menu":

Respiratory illnesses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, ear infections, flu, laryngitis, sinus infections, sore throat, strep throat, upper respiratory infections.

Common treatments: Bladder infections, diarrhea-nausea-vomiting, early Lyme disease, fever less than 72 hours, head lice, infected cuticles, mononucleosis, pink eye and sties, scalp rash, seasonal allergies, swimmer's ear, swimmer's itch.

Diagnostic screenings: Blood pressure, blood sugar, tuberculosis, pregnancy.

Minor injuries: Abrasions, minor burns, splinters, sprains and strains, staple and suture removals.

Vaccinations: Flu, hepatitis B, meningitis, tetanus/ pertussis booster, tetanus booster, travel vaccines.

Sports and camp physicals.

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