Kudos to CVS and MinuteClinic for their efforts for Diabetes Awareness Month!
Free A1c tests for American Diabetes Awareness Month
MinuteClinic announced this week that it is offering complimentary A1c tests through Nov. 25 in recognition of American Diabetes Month, which officially begins Nov. 1. The free tests, sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care, are available while supplies last at participatingMinuteClinic locations, which are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. No appointment is necessary.
With 24 million Americans now living with diabetes, the goal of this program is to encourage patients to walk in to a local MinuteClinic to get their glucose tested – the A1c test is the best measure available to assess a diabetic’s immediate condition – and to determine whether any changes in treatment and lifestyle habits are needed. In addition to daily self-testing of glucose levels, diabetics should receive regular A1c tests that measure their average blood glucose levels over a two- to three-month period. The American Diabetes Association advises that patients keep their A1c level below seven percent.
More than 1.6 million diabetics are diagnosed every year – with this growing population contributing to a general increase in demand for better access to primary care, MinuteClinic earlier this year started offering diabetes monitoring services.
As part of the complimentary A1c test, MinuteClinic practitioners will check a patient's vital signs, review medical history and administer the blood test. Results are available within five minutes and are discussed with the patient. A visit summary that includes the A1c test results is made available to primary care providers with patient permission. Visit summaries are typically sent within 24 hours via electronic medical record, fax or mail.
In addition to monitoring services, MinuteClinic practitioners are trained to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumovax, and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. Wellness and prevention services include camp, sports and college physicals as well as health care screenings. Most health care insurance is accepted for MinuteClinic services.