Take Care Clinics Save Consumers Money in Tough Economic Times

01.27.09

—Clinics at Walgreens Drugstores Offer Americans High-Quality Health Care at 80 Percent Less Than the Average Cost of an Emergency Room Visit—

—New Winter Promotion Provides Increased Savings During Cold, Cough and Flu Season—

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA., — January 27, 2009 — More and more U.S. consumers are heading to Take Care Clinics at select Walgreens drugstores nationwide to save money on health care without sacrificing quality. Markets that have had Take Care clinics open for more than a year have seen a 65% increase in patient volume.

"Consumers who seek care are looking more closely for ways to reduce the overall costs of treatment," said Sandra Ryan, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer for Take Care Health Systems. "Many of those cost-conscious consumers are heading to Take Care Clinics where patients are saving hundreds of dollars in health care-related costs, without sacrificing quality or a satisfying patient experience."

In a survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 22 percent of consumers said that the ailing economy was causing them to see the doctor less. In an effort to save money, about 11 percent said they've scaled back on prescription drugs or reduced the dosage of those drugs to make them last longer.

At Take Care Clinics, patients can receive access to high-quality, affordable care for basic health care services at significant savings from that of an emergency department or urgent care center. A 2008 study published in Health Affairs shows the following:

At the 326 Take Care Clinics nationwide, board-certified nurse practitioners and, in select markets, physician assistants treat conditions such as strep throat, ear infections and pinkeye, and focus on wellness and prevention. The cost of an average visit ranges from $59-$80. Most insurance plans are accepted, including national and regional plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid in many areas. Take Care Health Providers treat patients 18 months and older.

"With an increasing number of families and individuals in America forced to make tough choices when it comes to spending, health care should not be something that suffers," said Peter Miller, president and CEO of Take Care Health Systems. "Now more than ever, the care offered at Take Care Clinics is an excellent option for patients as they look to save on cost, without having to compromise the quality of their health or the care they receive."

In an effort to provide further access to affordable health care in a challenging economic environment, Take Care Clinics are introducing a Winter Promotional Program. The program, which runs from January through the end of March at all Take Care Clinics nationwide, coincides with the height of cold, cough and flu season. just for stopping by, first-time visitors to Take Care Clinics are eligible to receive a $50 coupon book redeemable for select Walgreens merchandise including cold medicine, facial tissue and hand sanitizer.

Take Care Clinics use nationally recognized, evidence-based clinical guidelines for treatment and electronic medical record technology allowing patients to take visit records to other providers, promoting continuity of care. Take Care Health Providers follow quality and safety standards as outlined by the Convenient Care Association, the industry's trade association headquartered in Philadelphia.

Take Care Health Providers encourage all patients to have a health care home, a practitioner they see routinely for on-going medical needs and routine exams. If a patient's condition falls outside of the scope of service at the clinic, the patient is referred back to his/her primary care provider for follow-on care. If a patient does not have a primary care provider, nurse practitioners will offer a list of providers in the area accepting new patients. Take Care Health Providers collaborate with local physicians who are available for consultation at all times the nurse practitioner is treating a patient. Collaborating physicians and other local providers work with Take Care Health Professionals to accept patient referrals.

Take Care Health Systems currently manages 326 Take Care Clinics in 35 markets and 18 states, including locations in: Atlanta, Boulder-Longmont, Colo., Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Ohio, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Green Bay, Wis., Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Fla., Kansas City, Mo., Knoxville, Tenn., Las Vegas, Louisville, Ky., Madison, Wis., Memphis, Tenn., Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, Tenn., New Orleans, La., Orlando, Fla., Oshkosh, Wis., Peoria, Ill., Philadelphia-area, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Rockford, Ill., St. Louis, Tampa, Fla., Topeka, Kan., Tucson, Ariz., West Palm Beach, Fla. and Wichita, Kan.

About Take Care Health Systems^SM
Take Care Health Systems^SM (www.takecarehealthsystem.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreens and part of Walgreens Health and Wellness division, is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and convenient care clinics in the country. TCHS is comprised of Take Care Consumer Solutions (www.takecarehealth.com) and Take Care Health Employer Solutions (www.takecareemployersolutions.com). Take Care Consumer Solutions manages Take Care Clinics at select Walgreens drugstores throughout the country. Patient care at each of the Take Care Clinics is provided by Take Care Health Services, an independently owned state professional corporation established in each market. Take Care Health Employer Solutions manages primary care, health and wellness, occupational health, pharmacy and fitness centers at large employer campuses. Combined, Take Care Health Systems manages nearly 700 worksite and retail health care centers.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2008 sales of $59 billion. The company operates 6,630 drugstores in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and cost-effective health care services in America through its retail drugstores, Walgreens Health Services division and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc., Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC and SeniorMed LLC (a pharmacy provider to long-term care facilities). Walgreens Health and Wellness division includes Take Care Health Systems, the largest and most comprehensive provider of worksite health and wellness centers and convenient care clinics, with nearly 700 locations throughout the country.

Key Contacts:

Lauren Nestler
for Take Care Health Systems
484-351-3212