SAN MATEO, CALIF., February 26, 2008
Epocrates Software Adopted at Take Care Health Clinics Nationwide
Take Care Health Systems, one of the largest managers of convenient care clinics and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG), signed a multi-year agreement for Epocrates Online Premium drug and formulary solution. The Epocrates web-based solution is now available at Take Care Health Clinics across the country to support clinical decision-making and patient education at the point of care.
“Our vision is to increase access to high-quality, affordable, convenient healthcare for all individuals, by offering a superior patient experience and fostering a best-in-class working environment for providers,” said Sandra Ryan, chief nurse practitioner officer for Take Care Health Systems. “The Epocrates software is precisely the type of innovative technology that will help us redefine the patient’s healthcare experience by offering providers an online medical reference that aids in the delivery of quality patient care.”
Located at select Walgreens drugstores nationwide, Take Care Health Clinics are walk-in healthcare centers staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who treat patients 18 months and older for common illnesses such as strep throat, ear and sinus infections. Many of the Take Care Health Providers used Epocrates in previous settings, and were instrumental in helping bring the solution to the healthcare clinics.
Take Care Health Providers can now use Epocrates Online Premium to check a patient’s health plan coverage, identify generic alternatives and reference additional clinical guidelines. Easily accessible on exam room computers, providers can also take advantage of Epocrates’ features, such as pill pictures and printable education handouts, which contribute to increased patient-provider communication and high patient satisfaction.
“Clinicians use Epocrates solutions in many clinical settings, and through their dedication, our software can now be found in these convenient care clinics,” said Kirk Loevner, chief executive officer and chairman for Epocrates. “Take Care Health Providers are committed to providing an excellent patient experience, and join the 500,000 healthcare professionals currently using Epocrates’ solutions to provide top-notch care and support accurate, efficient clinical decision-making.”
About Take Care Health SystemsSM
Take Care Health Systems (www.takecarehealth.com), one of the largest managers of convenient care clinics, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens. The Company combines best practices in healthcare and the expertise and personal care of providers to deliver access to high-quality, affordable, convenient healthcare to all individuals. Take Care Health Clinics are located at select Walgreens drugstores nationwide, where nurse practitioners and physician assistants focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of common family illnesses, vaccinations, physicals and screenings. Take Care Health Systems currently manages 145 Take Care Health Clinics in 15 cities throughout 13 states, with plans to have more than 400 clinics in operation by the end of 2008. The Company maintains a detailed quality assurance program including collaborating physician review to promote quality care, patient safety and state scope of practice compliance. Patient care is provided by Take Care Health Services, an independently owned state professional corporation established in each market.
CONTACT: Erica Sniad Morgenstern Epocrates Public Relations PHONE: (650) 227-6907 E-MAIL: pr@epocrates.com WEB: www.epocrates.com