MinuteClinic® and Emory Healthcare Expand Primary Care Access in Georgia
MinuteClinic®, the healthcare clinic located inside select CVS Pharmacy® stores, is teaming up with Emory Healthcare Network, the largest clinically integrated healthcare network in Georgia, to enhance primary care access for Georgians. This collaboration brings in-network adult primary care services to most health insurance plan holders at all MinuteClinic locations across the state.
The expansion aims to provide Georgia residents with more options for primary care, which is proven to improve health outcomes. Research shows that individuals who have a regular primary care physician can reduce healthcare costs by 33% and lower their chances of premature death by 19%, compared to those who see only specialists.
With 35 MinuteClinic locations throughout Georgia, patients will benefit from various services, including same-day access, extended evening and weekend hours, as well as virtual care options. The clinics are designed to make it easier for patients to receive care at their convenience. Coordination between MinuteClinic providers and Emory clinicians will be streamlined through an interoperable electronic health record, ensuring smooth communication and effective care management.
“We’re facing a shortage of primary care physicians in Georgia, and this expansion, in partnership with the Emory Healthcare Network, will provide more options for primary and preventive care throughout the state,” says Dr. Joon S. Lee, CEO of Emory Healthcare. “Our goal is to broaden access to high-quality care in Georgia, and this collaboration is a key part of that effort.”
MinuteClinic patients will also have access to the extensive resources of the Emory Healthcare Network, including hospitals, specialists, diagnostic services, radiology facilities, and specialty labs. This comprehensive network makes it easier for patients to receive additional care when necessary, improving both convenience and care continuity.
“By expanding our partnership with MinuteClinic, we can offer even more Georgians in-network access to essential primary and preventive care,” says Patrick Hammond, CEO of the Emory Healthcare Network. “This expansion will help ensure that people in Georgia can access the services they need, with the support of most health insurance plans we work with.”
This partnership builds on the long-standing collaboration between MinuteClinic and Emory Healthcare, which began in 2011. Initially, the two organizations worked together to offer walk-in adult wellness exams, physicals, and sick visits at select MinuteClinic locations, with nurse practitioners and advanced practice providers staffing the clinics and Emory physicians collaborating as overseeing physicians.
Now, the collaboration has expanded to include comprehensive primary care. MinuteClinic has introduced new training and care workflows for its advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This training focuses on offering end-to-end care, with an emphasis on prevention, health maintenance, recommended screenings, and the management of chronic conditions.
“MinuteClinic has been at the forefront of retail clinics for more than two decades, and to meet the evolving needs of our communities, we continue to expand the services we offer,” says Dr. Creagh Milford, president of retail health at CVS Health®. “This partnership with the Emory Healthcare Network marks an important milestone as we become an in-network primary care provider in Georgia. It’s our first collaboration of its kind with a clinically integrated network, and we’re excited to see how it will positively impact patient care and community health.”
MinuteClinic’s expansion is in line with the company’s ongoing commitment to provide consumer-centric care that is accessible, convenient, and affordable. Whether it’s through walk-in visits or scheduled appointments, patients can access quality primary care services in a way that fits their lifestyle.
The collaboration with Emory Healthcare Network allows MinuteClinic to broaden the reach of its services and ensure that more Georgians can benefit from high-quality primary and preventive care. The enhanced care coordination and access to Emory’s healthcare facilities will make it easier for patients to receive comprehensive care when needed, improving overall health outcomes.
About Emory Healthcare Network
The Emory Healthcare Network is Georgia’s most comprehensive, clinically integrated network. It connects patients to a wide range of coordinated care options, with access to 15 Emory Healthcare Network-designated hospitals, over 4,000 physicians across 70 specialties, and more than 550 primary care physicians. The network also includes more than 70 Peachtree Immediate Care locations, offering urgent care services to patients in the region. For more information, visit the Emory Healthcare website.
About CVS Health
CVS Health® is a leading health solutions company committed to improving the health and well-being of communities nationwide. Through its local presence, digital platforms, and 300,000 dedicated employees—including over 40,000 healthcare professionals—CVS Health makes healthcare accessible and affordable for all. Whether it’s helping people manage chronic conditions, navigate the healthcare system, or access wellness services, CVS Health is there for every meaningful moment of health.
