MinuteClinic primary care earns national quality accreditation

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health’s MinuteClinic has earned its seventh consecutive Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation from The Joint Commission, and its expanding primary care services have been evaluated under Medical Center standards for the first time.

The accreditation comes as MinuteClinic continues to broaden its role beyond treating common illnesses, administering vaccinations and addressing minor injuries. More than 65% of MinuteClinic locations now offer adult primary care through payer and health system affiliations, including preventive care, ongoing care and support for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

“MinuteClinic was built on the promise of quality care when and where patients need it, and our evolution into primary care extends that promise,” said David Fairchild, MD, MPH, chief medical officer of Retail Health at CVS Health.

From July 13 to 17, Joint Commission surveyors conducted an on-site evaluation of more than 80 MinuteClinic locations across 17 states and Washington, D.C. The review examined care processes and coordination, patient education and safety, medication management, infection prevention, and MinuteClinic’s longitudinal primary care model.

Surveyors also evaluated the company’s virtual care offerings, including behavioral health services.

The accreditation covers more than 800 MinuteClinic locations nationwide, as well as MinuteClinic Virtual Care. MinuteClinic’s board-certified nurse practitioners and physician associates provide nearly 200 services, including minor illnesses and injuries, preventive care, chronic condition management, behavioral health, and women’s health.

CVS Health said the expansion is aimed, in part, at addressing gaps in access to primary care, as provider shortages and long wait times continue to affect patients nationwide. More than 100 million Americans have unmet preventive health care needs, according to the company.

The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval recognizes organizations that meet its standards for health care quality and for patient safety.