MinuteClinic Becomes Participating Provider With Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of ...( MINNEAPOLIS and NEWARK N.J. Jan. 29 /...),Health

MINNEAPOLIS and NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning February 1, 2009, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) members will have new options for routine medical care. Horizon BCBSNJ and MinuteClinic, the largest provider of retail health care in the United States, have reached an agreement that will make New Jersey based MinuteClinic health care centers participating providers with Horizon BCBSNJ.

"We are delighted to be able to offer this convenience to our members," said Richard G. Popiel, MD, MBA, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Horizon BCBSNJ. "MinuteClinic provides a cost-effective solution for addressing common illnesses while maintaining Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's standards for high quality health care."

"Horizon BCBSNJ shares our goals of creating consumer-driven health care solutions that provide convenient access and deliver cost savings," said Chip Phillips, MinuteClinic President. "By offering quality treatment in a convenient setting, we can work with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to help reduce health care insurance expenses for their members as well as time spent away from their families and the workplace."

MinuteClinic health care centers are staffed by masters-prepared, board-certified nurse practitioners. These practitioners specialize in family health care and are trained to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions when clinically indicated for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, MMR, and Hepatitis A & B are also available. MinuteClinic retail locations are open seven days a week including weekday evening hours. No appointment is necessary.

MinuteClinic nurse practitioners utilize nationally recognized medical protocols to diagnose and treat health conditions. With the patien
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