Kroger Partners With Hospital Network

Kroger recently launched an initiative that enables hospitals and health care networks to leverage Kroger resources to provide broader access and value-based health care for their patients, according to news reports.^1,2

Kroger, the largest grocery retailer in the United States and operator of more than 2000 pharmacies, partnered with Tennessee hospital network Ascension Saint Thomas Health to use its Kroger 360care program, according to a press release.¹

Ascension Saint Thomas operates 97 practice sites with more than 500 physicians and advanced practitioners, whereas Kroger has 116 pharmacies and 40 clinics in Tennessee. Kroger also operates 215 Little Clinic locations in stores across 9 states.¹

“The goal is to provide high-quality care at lower cost. The partnership greatly expands the scope of services available because Kroger customers can tap into Ascension St. Thomas’ medical professionals offering 32 specialties,” the  Cincinnati Business Courier reported.²

“Collaborations and partnerships are key to transforming the way health care is delivered in America,” Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health, said in the press release .¹“Our vision at Kroger Health is to help people live healthier lives. This partnership is a great example of our vision in action.”

A Kroger spokesperson did not respond to Drug Topics’® request for comment by presstime.

Kroger also has a limited partnership with UC Health in Cincinnati enabling doctors at UC Health to provide advice to the nurse practitioners and physician assistants who diagnose and treat patients at the Little Clinic, according to Cincinnati Business Courier.² “That partnership also allows the Little Clinic and UC Health to exchange medical records if the patient signs a waiver,” the article noted.

“If we in grocery are truly going to improve health outcomes beyond screenings, we're going to have to get in deep with how patients are living their life,” Jim Kirby, Kroger’s senior director of pharmacy services, said at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores annual meeting earlier this year, the Cincinnati Business Courier reported.² “We have to engage every patient, every time,” Kirby added.

References:

1. Watkins S. Kroger expands new health care initiative. Cincinnati Business Courier. Published November 21, 2019. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/11/21/kroger-expands-new-health-care-initiative.html.
2. PR Newswire. Kroger Health and Ascension Saint Thomas Health Partner to Better Serve Communities in Middle Tennessee [news release]. Published October 23, 2019. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-health-and-ascension-saint-thomas-health-partner-to-better-serve-communities-in-middle-tennessee-300943494.html