(Editor's note: The following article was published on CVS.com.)
CVS Health addresses women's unique and often unmet health care needs through a suite of clinical services launched by its MinuteClinic division. With locations across the U.S. and a growing national virtual care platform, MinuteClinic is helping close longstanding gaps in women's health care by offering personalized, evidence-based services at every stage of life.
The initiative came in response to growing demand for care that acknowledges the specific challenges women face — from menopause and maternal mental health to heart health and healthy aging. According to CVS Health, 62% of MinuteClinic visits over the past five years were from women, representing nearly 18 million clinical encounters.
While 1.3 million women enter menopause each year, about 80% of medical residents say they are uncomfortable discussing or providing menopause care. And one in five women experience maternal mental health conditions, which remain underdiagnosed and undertreated during and following pregnancy.
Women often are the chief medical officers for their households, making 80% of health care decisions for their families and loved ones. Yet, despite their impact on health care decision-making, women face barriers when trying to access high quality, personalized and convenient care that meets their own unique health needs.
The services were developed in part by surveying over 1,500 women on issues like menopause and maternal mental health. The data revealed that while 57% of women aged 45–60 had discussed menopause symptoms with a provider, many struggled to find clinicians who were knowledgeable or took their concerns seriously. Maternal mental health was another key area of concern, with 88% of women reporting negative emotions during or after pregnancy, and 62% expressing interest in counseling services.
MinuteClinic has enhanced provider training in partnership with the Menopause Society and added virtual care options for menopause support in most states. New services include postpartum mental health care, reproductive and sexual health support, and menstrual health services.
Only 20% of U.S. health care providers are trained to deliver menopause care — a statistic CVS aims to change through targeted provider education and expanded access.
The initiative is part of CVS Health's broader commitment to supporting women through all its channels—from retail pharmacy to medical and pharmacy benefits. By incorporating insights from consumers, clinicians, and advocacy groups, CVS is building a holistic approach that meets women where they are, both in-store and online.
