Walmart launching Testing and Treatment services in Utah pharmacies
Walmart has announced the expansion of its Testing and Treatment services to all 51 of its pharmacy locations in Utah. The program allows pharmacists to test customers for flu, strep and COVID-19, then, if the results are positive, prescribe the appropriate treatment – all during a single visit.
Walmart said Testing and Treatment appointments begin with a brief consultation between the customer and a pharmacist. A pharmacist will then administer a nasal or throat swab for the customer and will run the swab through a medical diagnostic device to receive the result. The pharmacist will then inform the customer of their result and, if necessary, will prescribe the proper medication on the spot. The entire process from consultation to receiving results generally takes 30 minutes or less.
“We are excited to offer this new service to the communities we serve in Utah,” said Kevin Host, senior vice president of pharmacy at Walmart. “Our pharmacists are operating at the top of their licenses to continue to help fill gaps in care and improve health outcomes for all. We are very grateful to stakeholders across the state for their collaborative efforts in broadening access to care.”
The expansion of the Testing and Treatment program in Utah is part of a wider expansion across Montana, Nebraska, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Since launching last August, Walmart pharmacies have now rolled out the Testing and Treatment program in 21 states. In total, Testing and Treatment services are available in more than 1,540 Walmart locations nationwide with plans to continue expanding.
Initially in Utah, the service is cash-only with preparations underway to begin billing third-party insurance plans. Health Savings Accounts are accepted.
