Walgreens expands partnership with SSM Health

DEERFIELD - Walgreens and SSM Health have signed an agreement to expand their relationship, through which SSM Health will own and operate the clinical practice and management of operations of 27 retail health clinics within Walgreens stores across the St. Louis region, including four clinics in Illinois.

The clinics will transition to SSM Health this fall, at which time the clinics will become an extension of the SSM Health Medical Group. Upon transition, the sites will be renamed SSM Health Express Clinic at Walgreens. Walgreens will continue to manage the existing Walgreens Healthcare Clinics in these locations until that time.

SSM Health Express Clinic at Walgreens will give consumers improved access to the compassionate, high-quality care provided by SSM Health.

"This collaboration is an important step in SSM Health's commitment to improving the health of our community," said James Bleicher, MD, regional president of the SSM Health Medical Group and ambulatory services in St. Louis. "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."

As part of the agreement, Walgreens and SSM Health will form a joint council to share best practices and experiences that improve patient care, quality and satisfaction while reducing health care costs.