CVS ‘Minute Clinics’ open across Peninsula

April 26--CVS pharmacies have more than 800 in-store clinics nationwide. The first ones in Hampton Roads opened this week in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach as part of a nationwide expansion of 150.

Look for new "Minute Clinics" coming to the Peninsula in Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg in May and June.

The walk-in medical clinics are open seven days a week, with no appointment necessary.

Most major health insurance is accepted. For patients paying out-of-pocket, treatment prices are posted at each clinic and on http://www.minuteclinic.com.

The first CVS clinic in Virginia opened in 2007 and there are now 39 spread among Richmond, Roanoke and Northern Virginia. Approximately half the clinics' patients are seen on evenings, weekends and holidays, according to a news release.

On site at the clinics, nurse practitioners are able to treat strep throat; and eye, ear, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions, joint sprains, common vaccinations -- flu, tetanus, pneumonia, Hepatitis A and B -- are all within their scope, as are camp, sports and college physicals.

With patient permission, information from visits is sent to their primary care provider; for those without a provider, a list of physicians taking new patients is offered.

The Hampton Minute Clinic is slated to open on Wednesday, May 14 at 2315 Mercury Blvd. near Aberdeen Road. Then on Wednesday, June 4, clinics are slated to open in stores at 13000 Warwick Blvd., in the Oyster Point area of Newport News; and at 1600 Richmond Road, near Longhill Drive, in Williamsburg.

Clinic fundraiser

Sentara has committed $695,000 to community dental programs in Virginia over the past 18 months.

Recipients include the Lackey Free Clinic in Yorktown; Hampton Roads Community Health Center, Hampton Roads; and Halifax Regional Development Foundation in South Boston.

The funds have been used to hire dentists and expand services. At the Lackey Free Clinic, there are now five dental chairs, up from one last year, and its services include X-rays, cleanings, extractions and dentures.

The clinic serves 1,500 uninsured patients a year for all medical services. Almost 40 percent of patients are working and 40 percent are chronic care patients, according to spokeswoman Grace Rutledge.

On Thursday, May 8, it will hold a fund-raising auction from 7 to 9 p.m. at Legacy Hall, New Town, Williamsburg. The event will include free snacks and wine as the public is invited to bid on art, antiques and collectibles.

For the clinic, call 757-886-0608 or go to 1620 Old Williamsburg Road, Yorktown.

Chronic disease

A free workshop will be offered on Wednesdays, May 14 through June 18 for people with chronic diseases and health issues. The group meets once a week for 2 1/2 hours, 9:30 a.m. to noon, for six weeks.

The workshop is for people with chronic health concerns, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and asthma.

Pre-registration is required. Call 757-220-4751 or go online to http://www.excellenceinaging.org/cdsmp.

More online

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