MinuteClinic Offers New Rapid Pink-Eye Test; Detects Viral Conjunctivitis Infections...

MinuteClinic Offers New Rapid Pink-Eye Test; Detects Viral Conjunctivitis
Infections in Minutes

ATLANTA, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- MinuteClinic, the pioneer and largest
provider of retail-based health care in the United States, is now offering a
first-of-its kind rapid conjunctivitis (pink-eye) test at its 23 locations
inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in the Atlanta area. The rapid test is a
pilot project conducted in partnership with Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc
(RPS). MinuteClinic hopes to offer the test nationally at a future date in
its clinic locations in 25 states.

The partnership makes the RPS Adeno Detector(TM) available to millions of
Atlanta residents and allows MinuteClinic nurse practitioners to accurately
diagnose whether a patient has viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.
Practitioners can then identify a proper course of treatment and eliminate
unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions when a viral condition exists.

"MinuteClinic patients will get on-the-spot results that provide a more
precise pink-eye diagnosis," said Donna Haugland, MinuteClinic Chief Nursing
Officer. "This helps prevent the overuse of antibiotics and can lead to
prescription savings."

Conjunctivitis is an infectious -- and frequently highly-contagious --
condition that is most often caused by either a virus or bacteria. It is
often spread among children in close environments such as schools, camps and
recreational activities.

Until now, the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of pink-eye has
been difficult. While treatment with antibiotics is only necessary in 40 to
60 percent of cases, the majority of medical professionals prescribe
antibiotics nearly 100 percent of the time. Indiscriminately prescribing
antibiotics compounds the side effects associated with their overuse and
increases patient resistance to these medications.

"Our goal was to develop new medical technology that improves patient outcomes
and results in the highest level of care," said Robert Sambursky, M.D., Chief
Medical Officer for RPS. "The RPS Adeno Detector(TM) gives medical
professionals a safe, convenient and affordable option to diagnose pink-eye."

MinuteClinic health care centers are staffed by masters-prepared, board
certified nurse practitioners who specialize in family health care and are
trained to 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, MMR, and Hepatitis A & B are available at all
locations. 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 for diabetes,
hypertension and obesity.

The cost for conjunctivitis treatment is $77. MinuteClinic is in-network with
most major insurers in the Atlanta area, so patients are responsible for
either their copay or the price clearly listed on the treatments and services
menu. For those who are uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, MinuteClinic
accepts cash, checks and credit cards.

About MinuteClinic
Minneapolis-based MinuteClinic is a subsidiary of CVS Caremark Corporation
(NYSE: CVS), the No. 1 provider of prescriptions and related health care
services in the nation. MinuteClinic launched the first retail health care
centers in the United States in 2000 and is the first provider to establish a
national presence with about 500 locations in 25 states. By creating a health
care delivery model that responds to consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes
access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. The
company has generated more than 4 million patient visits, with a 95 percent
customer satisfaction rating. A recognized leader in the patient-centric
health care movement, MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the
marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed the
national guidelines established for store-based clinics by the American
Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Family Physicians
(AAFP). MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive
accreditation from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and
certifying agency for nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in
the United States. For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com.

About RPS:
Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc. (RPS) -- a Florida-based company with
facilities in Pennsylvania -- is a leading developer of point-of-care
diagnostic devices. RPS is committed to the accurate and appropriate
diagnosis of infectious diseases, and the fight to dramatically reduce the
over prescription of antibiotics. For more information visit
www.rps-tests.com

About the RPS Adeno Detector(TM):
The RPS Adeno Detector(TM) is a rapid direct sampling with filtration and
concentration test for visual, qualitative in-vitro detection of adenovirus;
the leading cause of viral conjunctivitis.

SOURCE MinuteClinic

Brent Burkhardt of MinuteClinic, +1-410-986-1303, bburkhardt@tbc.us; or Rob
Sambursky, M.D. of Rapid Pathogen Screening, +1-941-556-1853,
sambursky@rps-tests.com