On December 2, Walgreens Boots Alliance and VillageMD announced plans to open the next 40 new Village Medical at Walgreens full-service primary care clinics by the end of summer 2021. According to the report first markets for expansion include areas of Houston, El Paso and Austin, Texas, Phoenix, Ariz., and Orlando, Fla. The first new locations outside of Houston will open in the Phoenix area starting December 14, 2020.
The expansion is part of the large-scale rollout announced earlier this year to open 500 to 700 Village Medical at Walgreens clinics in more than 30 U.S. markets in the next five years.
“Walgreens is proud to partner with VillageMD to offer the most comprehensive and large-scale roll out of physician-led primary care services co-located in a retail pharmacy setting,” said Alex Gourlay co-chief operating officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Our role as part of patient care teams has never been more critical, and our partnership with VillageMD enables us to provide more people with convenient access to high-quality, affordable care embedded in their communities.”
Walgreens and VillageMD New Clinics
The new clinics, that which are based on Village Medical at Walgreens are built to integrate pharmacists as critical members of VillageMD’s physician-led, multidisciplinary team to provide patients with a full suite of primary care and pharmacy services at convenient Walgreens neighborhood locations, according to the company words.
Walgreens Boots Alliance has more than 100 years of trusted health care heritage and innovation in community pharmacy and pharmaceutical wholesaling. Including equity method investments, WBA has a presence in more than 25 countries, employs more than 440,000 people and has more than 18,750 stores.
“By combining the expertise of both the physician and pharmacist, patients benefit from improved health outcomes and lowered cost of care. With Village Medical board-certified physicians facilitating regular and direct communication between patients and Walgreens pharmacists, the model helps Village Medical at Walgreens patients take the right medications and get the right doses at the right times,” – Walgreens said.
Expansion Plans
Companies expansion plans and hopes united and driven by the success of the first five clinics in Houston, indicated by overwhelmingly positive feedback and high satisfaction from both patients and physicians. Many clinics, that will be opened in medically underserved areas, Village Medical at Walgreens will help meet the needs of all people, including those who may not have access to healthcare and are at greater risk of health disparities.
“The clinics will accept a wide range of health insurance options, offering cost-effective and comprehensive primary care to meet the full continuum of healthcare needs. Healthcare services are offered whenever and however patients need it, providing access to Village Medical care and support through in-person, at home and telehealth visits,” – the company reported.
“In today’s complex healthcare environment, this integrated model of care is more important than ever. When patients adhere to the appropriate care and medication regime, health outcomes improve,” said Tim Barry, chairman and CEO at VillageMD.
“At Village Medical at Walgreens, our experienced physicians and providers work closely with Walgreens pharmacists every day to ensure patients get accessible, personalized and coordinated care when they need it.”
