MinuteClinic, the retail health care division of CVS Caremark, and HCA’s TriStar Health, the largest and most comprehensive health system in Middle Tennessee, have entered into a clinical affiliation to enhance access to high quality, affordable health care services in the Nashville metropolitan area.

MinuteClinic has 14 walk-in medical clinics open seven days a week inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in Middle Tennessee. The agreement includes any current or future locations in Nashville and ten surrounding counties: Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson. The clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners who provide treatment for common family illnesses and administer wellness and prevention services, including health condition monitoring.

“MinuteClinic joins TriStar Health in its commitment to provide the highest quality medical care to the people of Middle Tennessee with a focus on reducing costs and increasing accessibility to health care services,” said Andrew Sussman, M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark.

“In addition, TriStar has been at the forefront of electronic medical record technology. We look forward to working with them to integrate our systems and develop collaborative programs that improve patient outcomes and help people on their path to better health.” TriStar Health in Middle Tennessee includes 11 hospitals and two ambulatory surgery centers supported by about 2,800 physicians.

“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with MinuteClinic and enhance the overall continuity of care for patients in the communities we serve,” said Steve Corbeil, president of TriStar Health.

“This expanded clinical coordination is a natural partnership because their model to provide basic primary care at the time of day and at locations that are convenient for each patient goes hand in hand with TriStar’s mission to provide quality, cost effective healthcare services close to where our patients live and work.”

Under the agreement, TriStar Health physicians will serve as medical directors for MinuteClinic locations in Middle Tennessee.  In addition, MinuteClinic and TriStar Health will collaborate on patient education and disease management initiatives and will inform patients of the services each offers.

TriStar Health will accept patients who need a level of care that is not provided at MinuteClinic. Signage at MinuteClinic locations will inform patients that each site has a clinical affiliation with TriStar Health.

MinuteClinic and TriStar Health will begin to work toward fully integrating their electronic medical record systems to streamline communication around all aspects of each individual’s care.  With patient permission, MinuteClinic will electronically share medical histories and visit summaries with other TriStar Health locations in Middle Tennessee.

In the meantime, MinuteClinic will continue its standard practice of sending patient visit summaries to primary care providers via fax or mail, typically within 24 hours. MinuteClinic practitioners specialize in family health care and can 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, pneumonia, pertussis and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. Walk-in camp, sports and college physicals for adolescents are available daily. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

No appointments are required at MinuteClinic and most health insurance is accepted. Most clinics in Middle Tennessee are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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VSA, the international organization on arts and disability and an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts along with CVS Caremark All Kids Can are inviting children with and without disabilities, ages 5-15, to participate in the 2012 All Kids Can CREATE “Call for Art” and showcase the positive impact the arts can have on each and every child.

This year’s theme, “What Inspires Me,” encourages young people to reflect on what inspires them and express those inspirations through original art. The 2012 All Kids Can CREATE program will officially launch on the birthday of inspirational civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Artwork submitted before April 8, 2012 at http://www.artsonia.com/allkidscan will be featured in an online gallery and considered for display in the “What Inspires Me” exhibition debuting at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. in August 2012. One hundred and two pieces of art―two from each state and the District of Columbia―will be part of the exhibition.

The “Call for Art” is part of VSA and CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can CREATE campaign to encourage learning and community engagement through artistic expression. The program includes the Call for Art, artist-in-residence programs in schools, and community events that will expand access and learning through the arts for students with disabilities. CVS Caremark colleagues also participate in the program through volunteer activities that engage their communities and/or schools in building inclusive environments.

“The arts provide valuable opportunities for students to explore and exercise their creativity,” said Betty Siegel, Director of VSA.” Through programs like this we have been able to expose thousands of students of all abilities to the arts.”

“CVS Caremark is proud to partner with VSA for the fifth year on the All Kids Can CREATE campaign, furthering our commitment to inclusion and giving children of all abilities a unique opportunity to express themselves through their artwork,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations, CVS Caremark. “The artwork celebrates each individual student and raises awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion.”

Children are invited to stretch their imagination by using traditional art materials as well as non-traditional ones, such as wrapping paper, newspaper or aluminum foil. In addition, teachers who submit their students’ artwork are eligible to receive one of four $1,500 cash awards to use in their classrooms.

Last year’s All Kids Can CREATE resulted in more than 4,700 submissions from across the country.  All of the artwork submitted this year, from paintings to sculptures to photographs, will be featured in an online gallery at www.artsonia.com

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