Take Care Health Systems Launches National Brand and Advertising Campaign
10.16.08
— First Significant Multimedia Program Since Acquisition by Walgreens —
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — OCTOBER 16, 2008 — In an important move reaffirming its commitment to healthcare consumers nationwide and as one of the largest managers of convenient care clinics, Take Care Health Systems today launched a new multimedia brand and advertising program.
The campaign, entitled "Life Diagnosis," represents Take Care Health Systems' first integrated advertising program since the company was acquired by Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) in May 2007, and is its first major branding initiative to focus on building healthcare around people's lives. Starting this week, ads will appear across a broad array of media, including print publications, television, radio and online.
"Today's campaign is our most visible statement yet of the company's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable and convenient healthcare to all individuals," said Peter Miller, Take Care Health Systems President and CEO. "Since we opened our first clinic in November 2005, our board-certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants have treated nearly 750,000 patients. Our clinics are critical entry points into the healthcare system for consumers. We're helping America get healthy and we're providing a great healthcare experience."
Over the past three years, the company has opened 262 Take Care Clinics in 33 markets in 15 states. The clinics are walk-in, professional healthcare centers open seven days a week with extended evening and weekend hours. Nationally certified family nurse practitioners or physician assistants treat patients 18 months and older for common illnesses such as strep throat, ear and sinus infections and pink eye. Take Care Health Providers also provide diagnostic screenings; school, sports and camp physicals; men's and women's health evaluations and offer vaccinations for chickenpox, flu, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus and human pappilomavirus (HPV).
The Consumer Campaign
The creative campaign reflects Take Care Health's continued commitment to offering healthcare solutions that meet the needs of individuals and families. The premise, "It's quality family healthcare built around you," positions Take Care Health's expertise as a provider of high-quality, accessible healthcare that puts patients first.
The ads are meant to capture real life healthcare challenges and provide a "Life Diagnosis" illustrating how Take Care Clinics can serve as a healthcare alternative for consumers looking for quality, affordable care that fits their schedule.
"The campaign bridges healthcare and service, offering patients a solution to manage their everyday health needs," said Heather Helle, Chief Operating Officer for Take Care Health Systems. "Take Care Health understands the challenges patients face in today's healthcare environment. We illustrate these real situations and offer real options for the healthcare consumer."
The campaign's specific focus on cough, cold and flu coincides with the official start of cold and flu season, and all Take Care Clinics beginning to offer flu vaccines.
The creative was designed by Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners, a full-service marketing communications firm that was named as Take Care Health Systems' first marketing agency of record in March 2008.
Take Care Clinics
Take Care Clinics have two patient examination rooms, exam tables, sinks, cutting-edge patient registration systems and electronic personal health records for visit documentation. Most clinics are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. � 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. � 5 p.m., and are located at Walgreens drugstores.
Take Care Health Systems has partnered with numerous national insurance plans to provide covered services to patients, including Aetna, CIGNA, Coventry, Great West, Humana, Multiplan, UnitedHealthcare and Wellpoint, and accepts Medicare and Medicaid, as well as multiple regional plans. If insured by one of these plans, patients pay their regular co-pay. For the uninsured or cash payers, prices average $59-$80 and are clearly posted on takecarehealth.com and clinic signage.
Providers encourage all patients to have a "healthcare home," a medical provider they see routinely for on-going medical needs and routine exams. If a patient's condition falls outside of the scope of practice 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 physician, providers will offer a list of physicians in the area accepting new patients. Take Care Health Providers collaborate with local physicians who are available for consultation at all times the practitioner is treating a patient.
About Take Care Health SystemsSM
Take Care Health Systems (www.takecarehealth.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens, is part of Walgreens Health and Wellness division, which includes Take Care Consumer Solutions, managers of convenient care clinics located at select Walgreens drugstores nationwide, and Take Care Employer Solutions, managers of worksite-based health and wellness services. The company combines best practices in healthcare and the expertise and personal care of providers to deliver access to high-quality, affordable and convenient healthcare to all individuals. The Take Care Consumer Solutions group currently manages 262 clinics in 33 markets and 15 states. 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 Employer Solutions manages primary care, health and wellness and occupational health centers at 364 employer campuses across 183 clients in 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Guam.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2008 sales of $59 billion. The company operates 6,479 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, which is comprised of: Take Care Consumer Solutions, managers of 262 convenient care clinics at Walgreens drugstores, and Take Care Employer Solutions, managers of worksite-based health and wellness services at 364 employer campuses.
Key Contacts:
Lauren Nestler
for Take Care Health Systems
484-351-3212