InstaClinic at Schnucks is Now Accepting Most Healthcare Insurance

Media Contacts: Patricia Sohn

instaClinic

314-406-5312

Lori Willis

Schnucks

314-994-4602

Sept. 12, 2007

InstaClinic at Schnucks is Now Accepting Most Healthcare Insurance

Company will also staff flu and pneumonia vaccines at St. Louis-area Schnucks stores

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis’ only locally owned and operated retail healthcare provider has taken a key step in expanding its services. instaClinic, which has locations in four area Schnuck Markets, is now accepting most insurance coverage, including United Healthcare, GHP, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid, Great West and others.

“instaClinic’s mission is to provide easy points of entry to high-quality healthcare, complementing the local medical community surrounding each of its clinics. Many local providers send their patients to us when they are overbooked or during off hours such as evenings and weekends. They know we will provide good care and will always refer patients back to their own physicians,” says Patricia Sohn, president and founder of instaClinic.

“Now that we have most insurance carriers on board, it makes the process nearly seamless for both the patient and physician,” she adds. “We work closely with area physicians to help coordinate follow-up referrals when necessary, assuring continuity of care -- and insurance coverage is a major component of that. Most of our patients will now be able to receive our convenient, professional care for just the cost of a simple insurance co-payment,” added Sohn.

This means that many people are beginning to see instaClinic appear on their insurance companies’ provider lists. The clinics will show up as an option on many more plans when they are next updated. Meanwhile, even if the list does not yet reflect it, instaClinic is accepting nearly all insurance cards. Patients with specific questions may call instaClinic at the numbers listed below. Patients without insurance pay an average charge of $49 to $59 with cash or credit.

instaClinic was established in 2006 in partnership with Schnuck Markets. The four locations throughout the St. Louis metro area are staffed by board-certified nurse practitioners. Care is offered during extended hours, for common illnesses such as allergies, colds, rashes, ear infections and sprains, in addition to offering convenient access to health counseling, screenings and immunizations.

According to Sohn, collaborating physicians affiliated with hospitals near the clinics help assure that care complies with guidelines for retail clinics established by the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Patients will receive information about physicians and hospitals close to their own neighborhoods for ongoing care or follow-up visits. Those who have a primary care physician will be referred back to that physician for any additional care,” Sohn said.

instaClinic is currently operating in the Butler Hill, Lindell, Mid Rivers and Alton Schnucks stores. Additional store sites for instaClinics are under study as plans for growth and expansion continue.

Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines

Beginning Sept. 29 through December, instaClinic nurse practioners will deliver flu and pneumonia vaccines at more than 300 flu shot clinics at 64 metropolitan area Schnucks stores. Flu shots will be available to individuals nine years of age and older for a cost of only $25, and the pneumonia vaccine will cost $39.

Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets, Inc. operates 102 stores (including five Logli stores) and 99 pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee and Mississippi.

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instaClinic location inside Schnucks stores and contact numbers: