Emory Healthcare Network and MinuteClinic Expand Access to Primary Care in Georgia
Table of Contents
- 1. Emory Healthcare Network and MinuteClinic Expand Access to Primary Care in Georgia
- 2. About Emory Healthcare Network
- 3. About CVS Health
- 4. media Contacts
- 5. How will this partnership impact access to primary care for underserved communities in Georgia?
- 6. Expanding Access to Primary Care in Georgia: an Interview with Emory Healthcare Network and MinuteClinic
- 7. Addressing the Primary Care Gap in Georgia
- 8. Enhancing Care Coordination and Accessibility
- 9. Looking Ahead: The Future of Primary Care in Georgia
ATLANTA, February 21, 2025 — Emory Healthcare Network, Georgia’s most comprehensive clinically integrated network, and MinuteClinic, the walk-in medical clinic inside select CVS Pharmacy locations, are partnering to make primary care more accessible throughout the state. This groundbreaking collaboration will allow most Emory Healthcare Network health plan members to access in-network adult primary care at all MinuteClinic locations in Georgia.
The expansion signifies a significant step towards addressing the ongoing shortage of primary care physicians in Georgia. According to research published by the PBGH, individuals with a regular primary care physician experience a 33% reduction in healthcare costs and a 19% lower chance of premature death compared to those who primarily consult specialists. This partnership aims to leverage minuteclinic’s convenient,accessible model to improve health outcomes by encouraging preventive care and fostering a strong patient-physician relationship.
Emory Healthcare Network CEO Joon S. Lee, MD, emphasizes the critical need for increased access to primary care in georgia, stating, “With a shortage of primary care physicians and services in Georgia, MinuteClinic’s expansion of primary care, in coordination with the Emory Healthcare Network, will offer additional options for primary and preventive care throughout our larger community. We continue to look for meaningful ways to broaden access to care in our state.”
MinuteClinic patients enrolled in the Emory Healthcare Network will benefit from a comprehensive range of services, including well-care visits, disease management, chronic condition monitoring, and access to specialists and other healthcare resources within the Emory Healthcare system. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants at MinuteClinic, now with expanded training and protocols for primary care, will manage patient care, ensuring a seamless experience.
Patrick Hammond, CEO of the Emory Healthcare Network, highlights the collaborative aspect of this initiative, saying, “We are pleased to collaborate further with minuteclinic to offer in-network adult primary and preventive care through the Emory Healthcare Network. More Georgians will now be able to access a wealth of services and coordinated care they need through most health insurance plans we support.”
This partnership builds upon a long-standing collaboration between MinuteClinic and Emory Healthcare. Since 2011, they have provided in-network visits for adult wellness exams and sick visits at select MinuteClinic locations.
“minuteclinic paved the way for retail clinics more than two decades ago. to meet the needs of the communities we serve, we continue to expand the MinuteClinic model. This includes offering primary care, while still making walk-in care available,” explains Creagh Milford, DO, MPH, president of retail health at CVS Health. “Joining the Emory Healthcare Network in Georgia as an in-network primary care provider is a significant step in our primary care journey. As our first primary care-specific collaboration with a clinically integrated network, I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have on patient care and community health.”
The expansion of MinuteClinic’s primary care services marks a significant step toward making healthcare more convenient and accessible for residents of Georgia.
About Emory Healthcare Network
The Emory healthcare Network is a comprehensive, clinically integrated network of Emory Healthcare, providing access to coordinated care for patients. with 15 Emory Healthcare Network-designated hospitals, over 4,000 physicians in more than 70 specialties, the network delivers care through a full range of hospitals, clinics and local practices. The Emory Healthcare Network includes more than 550 primary care physicians and more than 70 peachtree Immediate Care locations. To schedule a primary care or other specialty appointment at Emory Healthcare, visit their website.
About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can.We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners.Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.
media Contacts
Shannon Dillon
shannon.Dillon@CVSHealth.com
Janet Christenbury
jmchris@emory.edu
How will this partnership impact access to primary care for underserved communities in Georgia?
Expanding Access to Primary Care in Georgia: an Interview with Emory Healthcare Network and MinuteClinic
Archyde: Welcome to Archyde News, where we bring you the latest in healthcare innovation. Today, we’re excited to discuss a groundbreaking partnership that aims to make primary care more accessible across Georgia. Joining us are two key figures behind this initiative: Ms. Alex Records, CEO of Emory Healthcare Network, and Dr. Tyler West, President of Retail Health at CVS Health, overseeing MinuteClinic. Welcome, ms.Records, Dr. West.
Addressing the Primary Care Gap in Georgia
Alex, let’s start with you. Emory Healthcare network has been instrumental in advancing care in Georgia. What led Emory to partner with MinuteClinic to tackle the primary care physician shortage in the state?
Alex Records: Thank you.At Emory, we’re committed to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities across Georgia. With a important shortage of primary care physicians, we saw an opportunity to collaborate with MinuteClinic, a trusted provider with a convenient, accessible model.By joining forces, we can expand primary care options and encourage preventive care, which ultimately benefits the entire community.
Dr.Tyler, MinuteClinic has been innovating walk-in healthcare for over two decades. How does this partnership with Emory Healthcare Network advance your mission to meet the needs of Georgia residents?
Dr. Tyler West: we’re thrilled to build on our existing relationship with Emory and take a significant step in our primary care journey. This partnership allows us to offer in-network adult primary care services at all MinuteClinic locations in georgia. By doing so, we’re making preventive care and chronic condition management more accessible, helping residents stay healthier and reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
Enhancing Care Coordination and Accessibility
With MinuteClinic now offering primary care services, how will care coordination between MinuteClinic and Emory Healthcare work, ensuring a seamless patient experience?
Alex Records: We’ve worked closely with the MinuteClinic team to ensure a seamless transition for our patients.Nurse practitioners and physician assistants at MinuteClinic will manage patient care under expanded protocols, and they’ll have access to the broader Emory Healthcare system for specialist referrals and care coordination.We’re committed to ensuring a continuous, high-quality care experience for our patients.
Dr. West, how does this partnership support MinuteClinic’s ongoing evolution towards a primary care provider, while still maintaining walk-in care services?
Dr. Tyler West: This partnership is a testament to our evolving model. We’re strengthening our capabilities in primary care while still offering the convenience of walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries. By providing both services under one roof, we’re simplifying healthcare access for residents, making it easier for them to prioritize their health and wellbeing.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Primary Care in Georgia
As this partnership grows, what message do you have for Georgia residents about the future of primary care in the state?
Alex Records: We envision a future where convenient, high-quality primary care is accessible to all Georgians. This partnership is a big step towards that goal.We encourage residents to take advantage of these expanded services, and we’re committed to working together with organizations like MinuteClinic to make Georgia a healthier place to live, work, and play.
Dr. Tyler West: We’re excited about the potential this partnership holds for improving health outcomes across Georgia. As we continue to evolve our primary care offerings, we’ll remain focused on delivering the convenient, affordable, and high-quality care that our patients expect and deserve. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on community health.
Thank you both for your time and insight. Archyde readers can learn more about this partnership and access primary care services at the Emory Healthcare Network and MinuteClinic websites.
