CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic Is First Retail Clinic Provider To Earn Gold Seal Of Approval⿢ From The Joint Commission For Three Consecutive Accreditation Periods

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its established record for clinical quality, MinuteClinic, the walk-in medical clinics inside CVS/pharmacy, has become the first retail clinic provider to achieve three consecutive accreditation awards from The Joint Commission. MinuteClinic has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval ™ a third time by demonstrating compliance with the commission's national standards for health care quality and safety.

The Joint Commission accreditation is valid for up to a three-year period and applies to approximately 600 MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in 25 states and the District of Columbia.  MinuteClinic was first accredited by the Joint Commission in 2006.

"This accreditation and our continued compliance with The Joint Commission's rigorous national standards is a testament to the outstanding clinical care delivered by MinuteClinic practitioners during the more than 13 million patient visits at our clinics to date," said Andrew Sussman, M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark.  "With patient satisfaction ratings exceeding 95 percent, we are proud of our record for delivering the highest level of care while expanding the number of clinics and patient services we offer across the United States."

Since 1975, The Joint Commission has developed state-of-the-art standards for outpatient ambulatory care organizations. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients. Nearly 1,900 freestanding ambulatory care organizations maintain Joint Commission accreditation.

"Organizations that strive for accreditation in ambulatory care from The Joint Commission are demonstrating the highest commitment to quality and safety to their patients, staff and their community," says Michael Kulczycki, executive director, Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. "I commend MinuteClinic for successfully achieving this pinnacle and for its dedication to continually improving patient care."

The Joint Commission conducted unannounced on-site evaluations of MinuteClinic locations across the country during the second quarter of 2012.  A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated MinuteClinic for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

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