CINCINNATI, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kroger Health
pharmacies in Idaho and
Michigan are expanding their
service offerings. Effective immediately, patients can see a
pharmacist at a Kroger Health pharmacy for rapid strep throat and
flu testing. Patients can now stop by the pharmacy – no appointment
necessary – where a pharmacist will evaluate symptoms of flu-like
illness or sore-throat, medical history, and conduct an
examination. As part of this service, the pharmacist may perform a
nasal swab or throat swab collection for a rapid diagnostic test
screening for influenza or Streptococcus bacteria (strep throat).
If indicated, pharmacists can also prescribe and supply the
appropriate treatment during that same visit, helping decrease the
length, severity, and spread of illness.
"We've worked very hard over the past few years to simplify
healthcare, and make it more accessible to people," said
Colleen Lindholz, President,
Kroger Health. "We know that people
need more affordable and convenient ways to ensure their families
stay healthy, and this program in Michigan and Idaho is a new way we can help. Whenever we
can help people live healthier lives, we're going to go above and
beyond to make that happen."
104 Michigan and 15 Idaho Kroger Health pharmacies will be
joining providers at The Little Clinic with the ability to provide
this service. In preparation of this service, approximately 250
Kroger Health pharmacists received specialized training that allows
them to provide strep throat and flu testing at their pharmacies
and prescribe medication, if deemed necessary. Individuals
interested in obtaining a flu or strep throat test should contact
their local Kroger Health pharmacy to confirm availability and
eligibility. Certain restrictions apply.
"Our pharmacists practice at the top of their licenses," said
Jim Kirby, Senior Director, Kroger
Health Services, Kroger Health. "That enables them to provide a
host of services that most people wouldn't expect - but would
definitely appreciate - from a community pharmacy. Customers, who
may or may not have a primary care physician, can stop by our
pharmacy for testing and consultations while they are doing their
grocery shopping. That bit of ease goes a long way when you aren't
feeling well."
About Kroger Health:
Kroger Health, the healthcare arm of The Kroger Co., is one of
America's leading retail healthcare organizations, with over 2,000
pharmacies and 200 clinics in 35 states serving more than 14
million customers. Our team of 22,000 healthcare practitioners -
from pharmacists and nurse practitioners, to dietitians and
technicians - help simplify healthcare by providing solutions that
combine health, wellness, and nutrition, connecting with customers
on an emotional and personal level. We're also pioneering new work
to help drive food as medicine in order to prevent illness before
it starts. Learn more at www.krogerhealth.com.
About The Kroger Co.
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose:
to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly half a million associates
who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital
shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of
banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift,
and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn
more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
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SOURCE Kroger Health