Sixty VillageMD clinics to close in 2024
Before Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) named Tim Wentworth as Walgreens’ new CEO in October, it announced plans to close 60 VillageMD clinics in five markets in a $1 billion cost reduction strategy.
“Our performance this year has not reflected WBA’s strong assets, brand legacy or our commitment to our customers and patients,” said Ginger Graham, interim CEO, in a statement. “We have taken a number of steps to align our cost structure with our business performance, including planned cost reductions of at least $1 billion, and lowered capital expenditures by approximately $600 million.”
During the fourth quarter earnings call, Wentworth said he sees the opportunities to build on Walgreens’ pharmacy strength and its trusted brand to evolve healthcare and the customer experience.
“I know WBA. I have worked with Walgreens as a customer, partner, competitor, investor and family member. There is a reservoir of goodwill for this company across communities and a substantial opportunity to return value to our customers, employees and shareholders,” he said.
Walgreens to launch direct virtual care to consumers
Retailers entering the world of healthcare has continued with Commercial Healthcare Provider (CHP) Walgreens entering the virtual health service scene. Walgreens Virtual Healthcare (WVH) will tie together virtual consultations with healthcare providers and prescription services, available to consumers through their phone, tablet, or computer.
In late October, the virtual program began in nine states including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. Patients currently in the eligible states will be able to access WVH at Walgreens.com. There are plans by the company in place to expand the program to more states over time.
WVH offers treatment for common health needs such as seasonal allergies, medication refills, urgent care (COVID-19 and flu related), women’s health, men’s health, hair loss and skin health, and more.
Oak Street Health opens first primary care center in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Oak Street Health announced in early November it was welcoming patients at a new Scranton, Pennsylvania center. This is the first center for Oak Street Health in Scranton and the 15th in the state of Pennsylvania coming on the heels of the Lancaster and Allentown centers that opened in September, according to a release.
Oak Street Health delivers personalized, preventive primary care through a model that was created to meet the unique needs of older adults. The integrated model incorporates behavioral healthcare and social determinants support and is easily accessible through a mix of in-center, in-home and telehealth appointments, as well as a 24 ⁄ 7 patient support line. The Company has reduced patient hospital admissions by approximately 51% compared to Medicare benchmarks, and driven a 42% reduction in 30-day readmission rates and a 51% reduction in emergency department visits.