CVS starts annual health screenings program

Earlier this month, CVS Health began offering free health screenings in 20 markets across the country as part of its annual Project Health campaign.

Staff Pick: Pharmacogenomics: The right med, the right dose every time

During the next four months, CVS will hold more than 700 screening at pharmacies in multicultural communities with high numbers of uninsured or underinsured individuals. An estimated $10 million of health services will be delivered.

"Project Health is part of CVS Health's commitment to improve access to healthcare and ensure that cost isn't a barrier to important preventive services," said Troyen A. Brennan, MD, MPH, CVS Health’s chief medical officer. "Our free health screenings can help identify health concerns or risk factors for participants who may not have access to care otherwise." 

Blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, and cholesterol screenings are offered during the events. Nurse practitioners or physician assistants analyze results and can refer patients for additional care. Additionally, CVS pharmacists are available at the screenings to conduct medication reviews.

According to CVS officials, Project Health has delivered more than $75 million worth of free healthcare services to nearly 760,000 people since 2006.

"Over the years, many of the patients we've seen at Project Health events have had abnormal glucose screening results," Brennan said. "In fact, 27% of the patients screened in 2014 had abnormal glucose levels that had not been previously diagnosed. That's three times higher than the national average."