CVS Minute Clinic

Before I discovered the fabulous convenience of the CVS Minute Clinic, I would spend time on hold making appointments for my sick family members, hoping to get a date quick enough so that they could get the medication they needed. Many times I would have to wait longer than I wanted to, or go in at very inconvenient hours. It was a real pain sometimes.

Now, however, no appointment is necessary, we simply drive right to the closest CVS Minute Clinic, which is only a few minutes way, sign in, and wait. It is very convenient.

Now, do not be misled into thinking that you are going to be out in a couple of minutes! It really depends on how busy it is, and who is working. My average time spent at the CVS Minute Clinic is under an hour. However, there have been a few busy days that I have spent almost two hours there. Like I said, it really depends on how busy it is.

Another thing that you should know is that you will not be seen by an actual  doctor. Instead, you are seen by a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. So, you will only want to do to the CVS Minute Clinic for things like colds, flu, and minor issues that plague us more frequently than the serious things.

Also, please note, that they do not take babies. Children must be at least 24 months old.

They are also accepted by most insurance companies, so that is a plus, and they are more cost effective for those without insurance than a traditional doctor’s office.

Here is some more info from the CVS Minute Clinic site:

MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who provide treatment for common family illnesses and injuries, administer vaccinations, conduct physicals and wellness screenings, and offer monitoring for chronic conditions.

Our practitioners can:

Diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat, bladder infections, pink eye and infections of the ears, nose and throat

Provide common vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, pertussis, and hepatitis, among others

Treat minor wounds, abrasions, joint sprains and skin conditions such as poison ivy, ringworm and acne

Provide a wide range of wellness services, including sports and camp physicals, smoking cessation and TB testing

Offer routine lab tests, instant results and education for those with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or asthma

Like I said, they are a pretty convenient and frugal alternative for getting treatment for colds, flu, and other minor ailments that are mentioned above. Click here to read more about them, including costs.