Walgreens and Indianapolis-area Community Health Network expand partnership

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Walgreens and Community Health Network on Friday expanded their existing relationship – Community Health Network will exclusively operate and provide clinical services at 12 retail health clinics located within Walgreens stores across central Indiana.

 

Soon the Community logo will appear at Walgreens stores in central Indiana as the newly named Community Clinic at Walgreens streamlines the continuum of care for patients by combining  Community’s commitment of ‘exceptional care, simply delivered’ with the convenience and accessibility of Walgreens.

 

“Walgreens shares our commitment of finding innovative ways to make healthcare available to patients where and when they need it,” stated Kyle Fisher,  chief strategy and innovation officer Community Health Network. “This is the next step in a collaboration that is focused on providing the best care simply, conveniently and affordably by expanding our network of qualified caregivers within the communities we serve.”

 

The Community Clinic at Walgreens will be staffed by Community Health Network’s nurse practitioners who will treat minor injuries and illnesses as well as help manage chronic conditions, providing patients a variety of health care services with the convenience of walk-in appointments or same-day scheduling.

 

Patients will have easier access to Community facilities for follow up care, or to establish a primary care relationship. Seamless access to patient records and scheduling ‘on the go’ will be available through MyChart, Community’s secure app and online connection.

 

In addition, Walgreens and Community Health Network will form a collaborative council to share best practices, experiences, and innovations to improve patient care, quality and satisfaction while reducing health care costs through new models and by leveraging digital platforms.

 

Today’s announcement builds upon a recently announced pharmacy relationship and a successful three-year clinical collaboration between Walgreens and Community Health Network focused on enhanced communications to better coordinate care. Walgreens Healthcare Clinics in the Indianapolis area have referred patients to Community Health Network physicians to handle serious conditions and chronic diseases, outside of the clinics’ scope of practice.

 

Last month, Community Health Network’s Wellspring retail pharmacy operations opened under Walgreens ownership at three Community Hospital locations, giving patients and Community Health Network employees easier access to affordable healthcare and pharmacy services.

 

“Community Health Network has an outstanding reputation as a health services provider in Indiana,” said Pat Carroll, chief medical officer for Walgreens Healthcare Clinics. “Expanding our existing relationship with Community highlights Walgreens ongoing commitment to collaborating with local health systems to help ensure a true continuum of care. We look forward to working even more with Community, enhancing care coordination across both retail clinic and pharmacy services.”

 

Initially, 12 retail clinics are planned to transition to Community Health Network in June, with opportunities for future expansion. The clinics will become an extension of Community Health Network. Walgreens will continue to manage these Healthcare Clinic locations until that time.