Walgreens and SSM Health announce transition of Walgreens health clinics

Walgreens and SSM Health announced today that Walgreens' retail health clinics will transition to SSM Health this fall.

Walgreens is currently the pharmacy services provider for SSM Health patients and employees.

“This collaboration is an important step in SSM Health’s commitment to improving the health of our community,” SSM Health Medical Group Regional President Dr. James Bleicher said. “By combining the convenience of Walgreens locations with the personalized care and expertise of the SSM Health Medical Group, we will provide a seamless health care experience for our patients. This means care that is truly integrated whether you visit an SSM Health physician, hospital, urgent care or Express Clinic at Walgreens.”

The 27 clinics in the St. Louis area, including four in Illinois, will become SSM Health Express Clinics at Walgreens. The clinics will be open daily with evening hours so patients can access health care services after work. No appointments will be necessary. As Walgreens' and SSM Health's relationship expands, they will continue to seek ways to collaborate and improve patient services while reducing costs.

“Today’s announcement is another example of how providers can work together to help improve population health while helping to ensure a continuum of care for patients in the community,” Walgreens Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pat Carroll said. “This also demonstrates the value of deeper health system collaborations which can facilitate the transition of retail health clinics from urgent, episodic care to more coordinated care.”