Ten Reasons to Visit Your Local Minute Clinic

Have you heard of the Minute Clinic? Yes, it may sound like the McDonald's of medicine, but in a nation without universal healthcare, it indeed serves a very practical purpose. The Minute Clinic is relatively inexpensive, so individuals without health insurance can afford to have minor conditions treated at a reasonable cost, rather than sitting at home hoping the issues will resolve themselves. For those with insurance, the Minute Clinic is fast and convenient, and it provides quality professional care. Here are ten reasons to visit your local Minute Clinic.

One. No appointments are necessary. We have all experienced the agony of being sick and being unable to make an appointment with our doctor for days or weeks. At the Minute Clinic, no appointment is necessary. Just show up with your illness and you'll be treated.

Two. They are open seven days a week. No more waiting until Monday when you are sick on a Saturday and want relief. Many of their locations are open from eight a.m. until eight p.m. seven days per week.

Three. The Minute Clinic is affordable. Treatments range between $28 and $110 depending on your illness. For example, the Minute Clinic treats Swimmer's Ear for $49.

Four. Most insurance is accepted. Minute Clinic is in-network with most major insurers, so if you are fortunate enough to have medical insurance, you will likely be reimbursed.

Five. You will receive quality care. Minute Clinic is staffed with qualified nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who are trained to treat patients eighteen months and older.

Six. They can write prescriptions when it is clinically appropriate.

Seven. The Minute Clinic currently serves twenty states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington State.

Eight. The Minute Clinic is conveniently located near pharmacies. In fact, check your local CVS/pharmacy, and you may very well find they are equipped with a Minute Clinic right in their store.

Nine. They are fast. Visits last approximately fifteen minutes, and it is rare that you have to wait. Check the sign-in sheet to see how many patients are in line before you and multiply that by fifteen minutes to see when your name will be called.

Ten. The staff at your local Minute Clinic will be friendly and respectful. I recently had a very positive experience at the Minute Clinic at the CVS/pharmacy in Orlando, Fountains Plaza. The practitioner gave me a thorough examination, diagnosed me with an allergy, and set my mind at ease. She was knowledgeable and understanding. So, if you suffer from some minor ailment, do not hesitate to give your local Minute Clinic a try.