CVS Minute Clinic Healthcare Review
Posted on Jan 27, 2012 by Author
Tonight I went to the CVS Minute Clinic to get diagnosed for my sinus infection, and to get my prescription filled. This article is to share my experiences with Minute Clinic.
Severe Sinus Infection
Back in mid December 2011, I got a sinus infection. We have a toddler and he has been bringing home all sorts of new germs from the outside world. Considering that I rarely leave my house ( self employed computer programmer ), I have been fortunate to not encounter all the newest and greatest viruses and bacteria that the world has to offer. Anyway it was one of the worst colds I have ever had. To the point that I was bed ridden for a good couple days, plus yellow and green snot, and dry cough for 3 weeks after that. Keep in mind that even though I considered going to see a Doctor, I didn't feel like paying a copay for both the visit and the prescriptions. So basically I let nature take its course and felt 100% after about 3 weeks.Then about 3 days ago, I noticed I had a sore throat before going to bed. The next day I was blowing green and yellow snot. So I naturally tried to do what i could. Taking about 8,000 MG of Vitamin C over that day. Then before bed I used a saline solution nasal rinse to clear out any crap. I also used some nasal spray to open up my nasal passages so I could breathe through my nose as I slept. The next morning I awoke at about 8 AM with extreme sinus pressure and the worst headache of my life. Keep in mind I rarely get headaches. It was so bad that it didn't matter what I did, Stand up, lay down, all I could feel was the severe pressure in my head, very painful. It was so painful I vomited once ( on an empty stomach ). That provided little relief. I manged to get a couple bits of oatmeal down, and then laid in bed for a couple hours. Eventually the headache lessened to the point that I could try to sleep off the worst of this cold.
I woke up at 3PM with my head feeling clear. I stood up and felt much better. However, just because I felt good now, didn't mean I would feel good the next morning. So instead of procrastinating a doctors visit I asked my wife to make an appointment for me. She said the doctors office wouldn't be able to get me in until Monday ( 3 days away ). She suggested I try the CVS Minute Clinic.
What is CVS Minute Clinic?
For those of you who have never heard of CVS Minute Clinic, its basically a small doctors office that is available on site at some CVS stores. These Minute Clinics typically are staffed by 1 - 2 Doctors or Nurse Practitioners. The location I visited on 518 and Pearland Parkway in Pearland TX, had 1 Nurse Practitioner working.
The Minute Clinic I visited had 2 Doctors offices plus a kiosk that you used to signup to see one of the Healthcare Professionals. It's actually very well thought out. A touch screen computer allows you to type in some basic information, ( name, address, phone, email, ect ), then it tells you where you stand in line. When I visited the Minute Clinic there was no wait and within 5 minutes of doing the Kiosk check in, the healthcare professional opened their door and greeted me in. I was signing in on a Friday at about 7PM. This was by far the fastest wait time I have every experienced with any Doctors visit!
Greeting screen. Tells you that the cost of your visit will be $79 - $89. They also take most Health Insurance. I am with Cigna. The Minute Clinics in our area accept Cigna. So the my out of pocket cost was only my copay.
The Kiosk allows you to signup for a visit with a Healthcare Professional. After you are done signing up, a list of the current people waiting is displayed. Lucky me! I was the only person waiting.
The Healthcare Professionals at CVS Minute Clinics
I was promptly greeted by a Nurse Practitioner that was working that night. I took a seat and explained to her my symptoms. She did a standard check of vitals. After a few questions she agreed that I had a severe Sinus infection and recommended Antibiotics. Then she continued to fill out more information on the computer. After about 10 minutes I was done. She transferred my prescription directly to the CVS pharmacy ( same location ), and within 5 minutes I had my prescription and was on my way home.Thoughts on the CVS Minute Clinic
I arrived at CVS ( not scheduled ), signed up for a visit with a Healthcare Professional, had my visit with the Healthcare Professional, walked 20 feet to the pharmacy department to confirm my prescriptions, picked up my prescriptions and was out the door. This all happened in 25 minutes. This was the fastest and most efficient healthcare experience I have ever had. The price of the visit was clearly stated on the kiosk before giving any information. Plus the pricing $79 - $89 was also displayed on their website.Now ask yourself this. When was the last time you had a doctors appointment that you actually got to see your doctor at the scheduled appointment time? How long did it take the Healthcare Professional to make it to your exam room? Did the Healthcare Clinic proudly state the price of their service on their website or in their lobby? Did they have their own on site pharmacy?
Your answers to all the above questions are most likely NO or NEVER.
Typical Doctors Visit ( not CVS Minute Clinic )
In my experience a typical Doctors visit involves you making an appointment that is not the same day. You arrive at the Clinic at the Scheduled time, and have to wait in the lobby for a good 30 minutes before a nurse takes you back to an exam room. Once in the exam room you wait another 15 - 30 minutes for the doctor to make their way. The doctor walks in with smile on their face and begins with small talk while they fumble through your chart looking for your name, and any information that will allow them to quickly diagnose you and send you on your way. If they do write you a prescription, it's for something that is so weak that you are likely to return for something stronger ( another billable visit ). The doctor's nurse then allegedly faxes your prescription to the pharmacy that you use. However after driving across town, you find that the pharmacy has not yet been notified about your prescription. So you call the doctors office and they finally fax in your information. Then the pharmacy tells you it will be ready in an hour or longer. Rather than wasting gas and driving home you wait at the pharmacy. They know you are waiting, but still that doesn't speed things up. An hour later you finally get your prescription and are on your way home. In this typical doctors visit you spent half your day in waiting rooms or your car. The true cost of your visits will be discovered 3 months later when your Health Insurance sends you a statement. At this point you see how much that Doctor really charges for care, and it often is 3x what CVS charges. CVS Minute Clinic Summary
In my opinion CVS Minute Clinic, is setting the standard for quality medical care. Their prices are transparent, and less than everyone else. Wait times are minimal. No appointment needed. No paper forms to fill out. Everything is digital. They are open til 7:30 PM weekdays. Plus the convenience of being able to see a Healthcare Professional and fill you prescription all at the same building saved me time. I am now I huge fan of the Minute Clinics. Granted they are not for major things like Broken arms, or gunshot wounds. But if you have a sinus infection or something that just needs diagnosis for a prescription, its perfect.UPDATE 1/20/2013
Around the beginning of the year I got a pretty nasty cold. Once again I went into minute clinic hoping to get some antibiotics. However this time around was not quite a fast. It was a Sunday, and there were 5 people waiting in front of me. They had 2 doctors ( 1 Doctor and 1 PA ) working. Still amazingly enough I from the time I checked in to the time I saw a physician was about 15 minutes. Once I was in. I explained my symptoms, and the physican prescribed an antibiotic. She even gave me the choice of either a Z-Pack ( 5 day treatment ) vs the traditional 10 day antibiotic. Due to the cost difference I went with the traditional 10 day round of antibiotics. 2 days later I was getting some definite improvements, and was functional enough to work again.
As you can see the visitors comments haven't been the most positive of minute clinic. I don't doubt their legitimacy, However its important to keep in mind that the service you get a minute clinic's might not be consistent depending on the State, City and Physicans on Staff. The Minute Clinic Here in Pearland at the intersection of 518 and Pearland Parkway has always been excellent.
If its your intent to get antibiotics when visiting a minute clinic I recommend you make sure the story you tell the physician include you have been sick for a minimum of 10 days. Physicians are not supposed to prescribe antibiotics to people who have been sick for less than 10 days.
CVS Minute Clinic Healthcare Review Categories
Discussion
paul | Aug 2, 2012 5:34 PM
Sorry to hear about your bad experiences with minute clinic. I have been in a similar situation. Even though I don't question a parent's own knowledge about their child. There are some things to keep in mind.
In my experience a doctor or nurse won't prescribe an antibiotic unless you have been sick for at least 2 weeks. Even if you kid has only been sick for a few days, you have to tell them you have been sick for much longer for them to take it seriously.
Also keep in mind Minute clinic is for simple stuff, that is often solved with medication. I would never visit a minute clinic to have something removed, or cleaned.
When a clinic starts offering more advanced care, this has a great liability to the clinic, and will raise their insurance costs. They can offer what they do at low prices, because they are only setup to treat very simple stuff.
Don't be mad at the nurse, or Minute Clinic. They were practicing defensive medicine. They play by a book which gives them the least amount of liability for cases in which a patient decides to sue. Many Doctors practice this way.
If you want to blame someone blame the goverment. Healthcare is Corrupt.
They give free care to the poor ( IE those with undocumented income, but not really poor ), as a result we all pay higher taxes, insurance premiums, and hospital fees to cover these people. Doctors get Sued a lot this forces many of them to practice defensive medicine. Which is what you experienced.
I am thrilled to know I can walk into a CVS and get a prescription filled. Just have to say the right things. I know its not ideal, especially for parents like yourself. But when your family doctor is booked, and don't want to wait a few days, Minute Clinic is perfect.
Sorry to hear about your bad experiences with minute clinic. I have been in a similar situation. Even though I don't question a parent's own knowledge about their child. There are some things to keep in mind.
In my experience a doctor or nurse won't prescribe an antibiotic unless you have been sick for at least 2 weeks. Even if you kid has only been sick for a few days, you have to tell them you have been sick for much longer for them to take it seriously.
Also keep in mind Minute clinic is for simple stuff, that is often solved with medication. I would never visit a minute clinic to have something removed, or cleaned.
When a clinic starts offering more advanced care, this has a great liability to the clinic, and will raise their insurance costs. They can offer what they do at low prices, because they are only setup to treat very simple stuff.
Don't be mad at the nurse, or Minute Clinic. They were practicing defensive medicine. They play by a book which gives them the least amount of liability for cases in which a patient decides to sue. Many Doctors practice this way.
If you want to blame someone blame the goverment. Healthcare is Corrupt.
They give free care to the poor ( IE those with undocumented income, but not really poor ), as a result we all pay higher taxes, insurance premiums, and hospital fees to cover these people. Doctors get Sued a lot this forces many of them to practice defensive medicine. Which is what you experienced.
I am thrilled to know I can walk into a CVS and get a prescription filled. Just have to say the right things. I know its not ideal, especially for parents like yourself. But when your family doctor is booked, and don't want to wait a few days, Minute Clinic is perfect.
John | Sep 23, 2012 9:31 PM
MinuteClinic cannot get their billing straight. No matter how much insurance I carry, no matter who my insurance carrier is, no matter that I endure a battery of questions at check in that is more thorough than the ensuing medical exam, no matter that I pay the requested amount at the time of service, MinuteClinic always seems to send me a followup bill. It is cheaper and more effective for me to just wait and see my regular doctor. When I first started using MinuteClinic, this was never an issue. Now, however, it is commonplace. They have lost a customer in me and my family. Furthermore, I work in an environment where I contact and influence many people, and I use my position to communicate the poor business practices of MinuteClinic.
MinuteClinic cannot get their billing straight. No matter how much insurance I carry, no matter who my insurance carrier is, no matter that I endure a battery of questions at check in that is more thorough than the ensuing medical exam, no matter that I pay the requested amount at the time of service, MinuteClinic always seems to send me a followup bill. It is cheaper and more effective for me to just wait and see my regular doctor. When I first started using MinuteClinic, this was never an issue. Now, however, it is commonplace. They have lost a customer in me and my family. Furthermore, I work in an environment where I contact and influence many people, and I use my position to communicate the poor business practices of MinuteClinic.
Paul | Sep 23, 2012 9:56 PM
@John,
@John,
Sorry to hear about your bad experiences. However they lacked details. Your views would be more valuable if you were to share the minute clinic location that caused you so much stress. Also who is your health insurance provider, and what were the other providers you had? Your response inferred you have received services from them when covered by multiple carriers. What kind of coverage were your providers supposed to give you? Without details, Minute Clinic can't make corrections, and the readers have little to authenticate your experiences. I am not saying they didn't happen, but these days there are lots of paid negative reviews. Most of them tend to be nothing more than ranting and lack details.
John | Sep 24, 2012 7:11 PM
Paul,
Paul,
Currently, my healthcare provider is UHC. I have the highest plan. My visits to MinuteClinic where I have experienced the receipt of followup bills are found in Georgia, specifically in Chamblee, Hickory Flat, and Roswell. I am not being paid for my initial post or for this followup post. My experiences are most authentic. In fact, I had just paid two post-visit bills just prior to my initial post. I never post, but I am truly frustrated. Your inference that my statements were part of an unpaid, negative review is offensive. As a teacher possessing both a solid character and a good standing within my community, my opinions are not considered to be vague rants.
Paul | Sep 24, 2012 7:45 PM
John,
John,
Like I said in my previous comment. We needed details, of which you gladly came back and provided. Thanks. This helps others especially in your area. No need to get defensive, I never inferred that your comment was paid or fake. Just making you aware that these days companies pay PR firms to post reviews, and comments ( propaganda ) that serves their interests. Most of the comments like this are very vague ( no geo specific details ), and the IP often goes to foreign countries ( usually asia ). Since you came back with location specific data that matches the location of your IP I know your review is real. I haven't been to Minute Clinic for quite some time ( haven't been sick ). But if I do experience anything like what you described, I can promise you I will update this article. Thanks again for your feedback!
Joe | Sep 24, 2012 8:03 PM
Paul:
Paul:
Just curious, what is your connection to CVS? Are you writing this blog on the behalf of CVS as you seem to try to justify their position as those you are an employee or paid blogger on their behalf. Would that be true?
Joe
Paul | Sep 24, 2012 8:22 PM
Joe,
I have absolutely no connection to CVS. I just post articles on my blog as life happens. Even though I am sure CVS loves the fact that my review is positive. This is a double edge sword for them. If the next time I visit I get an experience similar to John's then I will revise this article to reflect my new feelings on Minute Clinic which would not be positive. Being this article ranks #5 or so on google for Minute Clinic Reviews, a negative review could do quite a bit of harm to them. The reason I know companies pay people to post positive things about them, is because several companies contacted me.The only reason I try to defend CVS is because my experience was good. So naturally I am biased. Keep in mind the last time I was at Minute Clinic was shortly before this article was written ( Jan 2012 ), and its possible things have changed in the past 8 months. Especially with Obamacare starting to work its way into the industry.
Next time I visit Minute Clinic, if my experiences suck, I won't hesitate to blast them on there.
cindy | Sep 28, 2012 1:36 PM
I have been to the cvs on pearland parkway and 518 in pearland, and have had good service. It is definitely faster than any doctors office that I have been too. Thanks Cvs.
HLee | Oct 1, 2012 9:37 PM
I googled to read a review out of curiosity, since my experience with the Minute Clinic is yet another HORRIBLE one. I work with children, so I know my common symptoms when I get sick. This time I went to the Minute Clinic to "save time" without knowing the Minute Clinic provides the worst kind of health care. I went there one Thursday after work last Month (Sept, 2012), thinking that I would be able to get the medication and get rested, then I'd be up for my upcoming travel to overseas to attend my brother's wedding the following week.
The wait time wasn't bad, since there was nobody in front of me. I explained "in detail" how long I have been sick and let the nurse practitioner know that the worse is yet to come and I came in at a "early stage" of my sickness, because I was going to be making a long distance trip in a week and I had to get well soon. She began taking some tests. She said that my symptoms resembled "strep throat" or a Flu. She refused to give me antiboitics and let me know that I had to wait for the lab tests that takes 48 hours and someone will notify me as soon as the strep tests are done and I could always come back then.
I was so sick in her office already, and therefore I didn't realized my charge included 2 different kind of flu test ($30 per test) as well as the strep test, BESIDES the initial EXTENDED (?) visit charge. I gave my home number as the primary number and asked to call my home number, as I provided my cell just in case.
I took off work the following day (Friday), as the nurse recommended and yes, I was getting very sick. On Friday, I slept all day long literally. By Saturday morning, my sinus headache got so bad, I couldn't even open my eyes all day. I waited the call for the test results all Saturday. No call until after the clinic closed for the day. They did not call my home number, even though I "requested" to call my home number. They had left a message on my cell instead. I called Minute Clinic customer service the following morning (Sunday) and requested to let the Minute Clinic know that I DO need the medication for me to pick up, since the nurse told me to come back.
Then the surprises began to shock me. Customer Service rep told me that I needed to visit the Minute Clinic again and be seen by the nurse again, IF I'm still sick, since the strep test was negative. They also tole me they will charge me another clinic visit. I told them that I refuse to pay the second visit, since I'm having to re-visit the clinic due to the nurse's failure to diagnos my illness and failure to listen to my explanation of many symptoms.
The rep said they will not see me again unless I pay for the visit EACH TIME and the nurse HAS TO see me and determine that I'm indeed SICK.
I have UHC in GA for the past 10 years. I could have called a Dr.'s office after work Thursday and could have been seen by one by Friday afternoon and could have gotten the medication right them. It was Sunday and nobody was open on Sunday, except for the ER. I had no choice, since I had to get the medication, so I could take the trip to attend my brother's wedding. I could not get the refund on the plane ticket that I had spent a fortune.
I had to make the second visit on Sunday. This time a different nurse. She said the first nurse followed their protocols by not giving the medication, because I didn't have any sign of sinus infection at that time.
I don't know what kind of nursing education these people have received to insist on NOT being able to detect the sickness based on the symptoms I already had. The nurse didn't even feel my lymp glands (swollen and painful) or didn't even check the pressure around my eyes or the sinus. Their diagnostic conclusion was based entirely on the tests and blood pressure and how many days I've been feeling sick when I walked in the clinic. People's illness cannot be calculated based on how many days the patient has been feeling sick. The patient is sitting right in front of the nurse, apparently very sick, but the nurse counted the days and told me that I have not been sick enough for her to determine if I needed the antibiotics or not.
Perhaps it is the CVS Minute Clinic's rotten policy NOT to really diagnos the illness, but to give the tests after tests, saying it is "dianostic". There is no real care for the patient in this kind of practice. Minute Clinic caused me so many days which I could have spent resting and getter better. I was miserable and in so much pain for additional 3 days without medication. I took off Friday and Monday (I coundn't get out of bed for the entire weekend other than visiting the Minute Clinic again on Sunday for the medication). The second nurse gave me the medication, but had to pay for the second visit. I was pro-active and tried to get better before I was getting too sick since Thursday, but I couldn't get the medication until Sunday afternoon, after getting much more sicker and charged for 2 visits.
I was not able to go to work on Wednesday, either. In total, I had to take 3 days off from work, because because I was not sick enough then, but just sick enough for them to initiate the strep test and flu tests. I was sick the whole time while I traveled as a result. After my brother's wedding, I collapsed and had to stay in bed until I returned. Even after I've returnd to GA, I was sick for another week.
It is interesting, but not surprising to find another post (by John) which describes similar experience by Minute Clinic. I hope a lot of people read these posts and stop using the Minute Clinic. Making people sicker, by not providing the proper health care is WRONG, and they should not call themselves as "Clinic". Making money by manipulating sick and vulnarable people is really SICK!
I don't know who John is. I have not written a review on any medical care before. I'm writing this because I'm compelled to let others know to be cautious and think twice before using the Minute Clinic. When you are sick, you think only one thing....to get better soon. Based on my experience, it is NOT something the Minute Clinc is going to provide.
I googled to read a review out of curiosity, since my experience with the Minute Clinic is yet another HORRIBLE one. I work with children, so I know my common symptoms when I get sick. This time I went to the Minute Clinic to "save time" without knowing the Minute Clinic provides the worst kind of health care. I went there one Thursday after work last Month (Sept, 2012), thinking that I would be able to get the medication and get rested, then I'd be up for my upcoming travel to overseas to attend my brother's wedding the following week.
The wait time wasn't bad, since there was nobody in front of me. I explained "in detail" how long I have been sick and let the nurse practitioner know that the worse is yet to come and I came in at a "early stage" of my sickness, because I was going to be making a long distance trip in a week and I had to get well soon. She began taking some tests. She said that my symptoms resembled "strep throat" or a Flu. She refused to give me antiboitics and let me know that I had to wait for the lab tests that takes 48 hours and someone will notify me as soon as the strep tests are done and I could always come back then.
I was so sick in her office already, and therefore I didn't realized my charge included 2 different kind of flu test ($30 per test) as well as the strep test, BESIDES the initial EXTENDED (?) visit charge. I gave my home number as the primary number and asked to call my home number, as I provided my cell just in case.
I took off work the following day (Friday), as the nurse recommended and yes, I was getting very sick. On Friday, I slept all day long literally. By Saturday morning, my sinus headache got so bad, I couldn't even open my eyes all day. I waited the call for the test results all Saturday. No call until after the clinic closed for the day. They did not call my home number, even though I "requested" to call my home number. They had left a message on my cell instead. I called Minute Clinic customer service the following morning (Sunday) and requested to let the Minute Clinic know that I DO need the medication for me to pick up, since the nurse told me to come back.
Then the surprises began to shock me. Customer Service rep told me that I needed to visit the Minute Clinic again and be seen by the nurse again, IF I'm still sick, since the strep test was negative. They also tole me they will charge me another clinic visit. I told them that I refuse to pay the second visit, since I'm having to re-visit the clinic due to the nurse's failure to diagnos my illness and failure to listen to my explanation of many symptoms.
The rep said they will not see me again unless I pay for the visit EACH TIME and the nurse HAS TO see me and determine that I'm indeed SICK.
I have UHC in GA for the past 10 years. I could have called a Dr.'s office after work Thursday and could have been seen by one by Friday afternoon and could have gotten the medication right them. It was Sunday and nobody was open on Sunday, except for the ER. I had no choice, since I had to get the medication, so I could take the trip to attend my brother's wedding. I could not get the refund on the plane ticket that I had spent a fortune.
I had to make the second visit on Sunday. This time a different nurse. She said the first nurse followed their protocols by not giving the medication, because I didn't have any sign of sinus infection at that time.
I don't know what kind of nursing education these people have received to insist on NOT being able to detect the sickness based on the symptoms I already had. The nurse didn't even feel my lymp glands (swollen and painful) or didn't even check the pressure around my eyes or the sinus. Their diagnostic conclusion was based entirely on the tests and blood pressure and how many days I've been feeling sick when I walked in the clinic. People's illness cannot be calculated based on how many days the patient has been feeling sick. The patient is sitting right in front of the nurse, apparently very sick, but the nurse counted the days and told me that I have not been sick enough for her to determine if I needed the antibiotics or not.
Perhaps it is the CVS Minute Clinic's rotten policy NOT to really diagnos the illness, but to give the tests after tests, saying it is "dianostic". There is no real care for the patient in this kind of practice. Minute Clinic caused me so many days which I could have spent resting and getter better. I was miserable and in so much pain for additional 3 days without medication. I took off Friday and Monday (I coundn't get out of bed for the entire weekend other than visiting the Minute Clinic again on Sunday for the medication). The second nurse gave me the medication, but had to pay for the second visit. I was pro-active and tried to get better before I was getting too sick since Thursday, but I couldn't get the medication until Sunday afternoon, after getting much more sicker and charged for 2 visits.
I was not able to go to work on Wednesday, either. In total, I had to take 3 days off from work, because because I was not sick enough then, but just sick enough for them to initiate the strep test and flu tests. I was sick the whole time while I traveled as a result. After my brother's wedding, I collapsed and had to stay in bed until I returned. Even after I've returnd to GA, I was sick for another week.
It is interesting, but not surprising to find another post (by John) which describes similar experience by Minute Clinic. I hope a lot of people read these posts and stop using the Minute Clinic. Making people sicker, by not providing the proper health care is WRONG, and they should not call themselves as "Clinic". Making money by manipulating sick and vulnarable people is really SICK!
I don't know who John is. I have not written a review on any medical care before. I'm writing this because I'm compelled to let others know to be cautious and think twice before using the Minute Clinic. When you are sick, you think only one thing....to get better soon. Based on my experience, it is NOT something the Minute Clinc is going to provide.
Paul | Oct 2, 2012 1:53 AM
@Hlee.
I feel your pain. I have been there before where you know you are sick, and you know what will make it better. Sometimes I feel the tests, and repeat visits are nothing more than a way to rack up additional billable items on ones health insurance. I honestly wish all prescriptions were over the counter. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
@Hlee.
I feel your pain. I have been there before where you know you are sick, and you know what will make it better. Sometimes I feel the tests, and repeat visits are nothing more than a way to rack up additional billable items on ones health insurance. I honestly wish all prescriptions were over the counter. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Ian | Dec 4, 2012 7:06 PM
I'm planning on visiting a minute clinic tomorrow and also have Cigna. You say it falls under an office visit, would that be a PCP visit? I never get sick enough to go to the doctor so since getting my own insurance through work about 4 years ago I've never had to pull out my insurance cards. Was just curious. Thanks
I'm planning on visiting a minute clinic tomorrow and also have Cigna. You say it falls under an office visit, would that be a PCP visit? I never get sick enough to go to the doctor so since getting my own insurance through work about 4 years ago I've never had to pull out my insurance cards. Was just curious. Thanks
Paul | Dec 4, 2012 7:24 PM
Hey Ian, All I had was my $40 copay. Insurance covered the rest. I just gave them my insurance card and they set me up in their system. It was easy.
Hey Ian, All I had was my $40 copay. Insurance covered the rest. I just gave them my insurance card and they set me up in their system. It was easy.
sandy | Jan 13, 2013 3:28 PM
Have had three HORRIBLE experiences at 2 different Minute Clinics. Today I waited over 2 hours and was first in line with my 7 year old twins when the nurse practictioner let the 3rd person in front of us! I lost it. Could not take it any longer, and left. Terrible process, awful, awful experience. CVS needs to get their act together with this.
Have had three HORRIBLE experiences at 2 different Minute Clinics. Today I waited over 2 hours and was first in line with my 7 year old twins when the nurse practictioner let the 3rd person in front of us! I lost it. Could not take it any longer, and left. Terrible process, awful, awful experience. CVS needs to get their act together with this.
ROBERT SACK | Jan 31, 2013 1:56 PM
Stay away. Totally screwed-up on insurance coverage and provides a phone number which is continually busy and no email address to correct their billing error. I will never go again.
Stay away. Totally screwed-up on insurance coverage and provides a phone number which is continually busy and no email address to correct their billing error. I will never go again.
Brian | Mar 12, 2013 6:19 AM
Worst experience ever,waited an hour with one patient a head of me,did nothing but give referral! Called my insurance company and going to fight the payment
Worst experience ever,waited an hour with one patient a head of me,did nothing but give referral! Called my insurance company and going to fight the payment
Joe | Mar 12, 2013 7:46 AM
Brian:
Brian:
As you can see from the beginning of these comments, I had a similar experience with my daughter. I contacted CVS corporate to discuss non-payment for the failure to correctly diagnose my daughters condition which was correctly determined a few days later by a real doctor at a real clinic. It took several days and I received a letter indicating that the nurse practitioner had followed the proper protocol and that the payment was due. From that experience I have determined that because they use nurse practitioners, they are very liability avoidant to the point of being reluctant to even prescribe antibiotics. I no longer do business with CVS and I share my story with my friends and parents who are looking for quality health care, that I would not recommend CVS. Perhaps this is an example of a corporation trying to be all things to all people, but they really should have stayed with their core business.
Nikki | May 25, 2013 5:10 PM
I went to CVS minute clinic in Columbia, SC. I was diagnosed with having an upper respiratory infection, sinus infection and fluid in my ears. I was given several prescriptions (albuterol inhaler (I am asthmatic),antibiotic, Tessalon perles, cough syrup with codeine, and Flonase). Two days later, I was still feeling horrible and the cough was not any better. I was getting extremely winded just from getting up to make a cup of coffee or taking a shower. I called back to see if I could get a script for Prednisone since I knew this had worked in the past and would alleviate the tightness in my chest. I was told it is against their policy to prescribe this because there is no scientific proof that this medicine helps this symptom. I was then told to go to an urgent care center if I felt that is what I needed. So I asked the woman on the phone, were they not going to bill my insurance as I just spent over $100 on medicine two days ago and still feel like crap so they didn't help me. This was a complete waste of my time and I ended up having to kick out more money on the weekend to an urgent care center to get the RIGHT meds and feel better. What a waste.
I went to CVS minute clinic in Columbia, SC. I was diagnosed with having an upper respiratory infection, sinus infection and fluid in my ears. I was given several prescriptions (albuterol inhaler (I am asthmatic),antibiotic, Tessalon perles, cough syrup with codeine, and Flonase). Two days later, I was still feeling horrible and the cough was not any better. I was getting extremely winded just from getting up to make a cup of coffee or taking a shower. I called back to see if I could get a script for Prednisone since I knew this had worked in the past and would alleviate the tightness in my chest. I was told it is against their policy to prescribe this because there is no scientific proof that this medicine helps this symptom. I was then told to go to an urgent care center if I felt that is what I needed. So I asked the woman on the phone, were they not going to bill my insurance as I just spent over $100 on medicine two days ago and still feel like crap so they didn't help me. This was a complete waste of my time and I ended up having to kick out more money on the weekend to an urgent care center to get the RIGHT meds and feel better. What a waste.
connie | Jun 2, 2013 12:09 PM
Minute clinic did not diagnose my niece's strep throat and charged $80. I told her to contact the better business bureau. Strep throat can have serious consequences. Use caution before going there. I know I won't go there for anything serious.
Minute clinic did not diagnose my niece's strep throat and charged $80. I told her to contact the better business bureau. Strep throat can have serious consequences. Use caution before going there. I know I won't go there for anything serious.
Terry | Jun 14, 2013 4:50 PM
Mnute clinic does not know DOT policies.....do not waste you're time or money going there. i will make sure to tell every driver i know to avoid at all cost. i called their complaint hotline and got the same info. what a total waste of 80 dollars....
Mnute clinic does not know DOT policies.....do not waste you're time or money going there. i will make sure to tell every driver i know to avoid at all cost. i called their complaint hotline and got the same info. what a total waste of 80 dollars....
Paul | Jun 17, 2013 10:14 AM
@ Terry,
@ Terry,
I'm not paid by minuteclinic. I'm just fortunate to not have experienced any of the issues other people have. All I can say is my experiences at the Pearland, TX location were excellent. I can't vouch for the other locations. Please be sure to let everyone know which location you were not happy with.
My daughter was seen on July 5 at a CVS Minute Clinic by a nurse. Our daughter was sick and getting worse. Based on our knowledge of our daughter and her symptoms, we asked the nurse to prescribe an antibiotic which she refused to do as she saw no reason to do so. We went out of town for the holidays and upon returning 4 days later she was worse and we went to a real clinic to see a real doctor who indicated that my daughter had bronchitis and was in need of an antibiotic. Upon hearing that I contacted CVS to demand a refund based on the previous diagnosis and the unwillingness to prescribe the antibiotic. They indicated that I would have to contact the corporate person and that it could take up to 7 days for her to respond. We heard from the person several days later who expressed that she would check into the situation and try to get it resolved. After which we received a letter indicating that the nurse had followed the proper procedures. Following procedures and having enough knowledge and skill to know when someone is genuinely sick apparently is two different things and apparently not a requirement of the CVS Minute Clinics.
This is the same clinic that once upon a time my ears were clogged with wax and I went to the Minute Clinic to get them cleaned out. After a brief conversation they told me that my ears were full of wax which is what I told them when I arrived. They then told me that I would have to see a Doctor because at that time they did not have the piece of equipment necessary to clean out my ears.
I am writing this comment in an effort to let everyone know that if you wish for your loved one's not to have to suffer when they are sick, please do not use the CVS Minute Clinics.