Select Kroger Pharmacies Add Flu, Strep Tests

Kroger continues to expand on their health care and pharmacy services with the introduction of flu testing and strep throat testing in certain markets.

Kroger Health pharmacies in Idaho and Michigan are providing rapid strep throat and flu testing. In addition to The Little Clinic, 104 Michigan Kroger pharmacies and 15 Idaho Kroger pharmacies are offering the tests and specially-trained pharmacists can prescribe medications, if necessary.

"We've worked very hard over the past few years to simplify healthcare, and make it more accessible to people," Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health, said in a statement press release. "We know that people need more affordable and convenient ways to ensure their families stay healthy, and this program in Michigan and Idaho is a new way we can help.”

“Patients can now stop by the pharmacy– no appointment necessary–where a pharmacist will evaluate symptoms of flu-like illness or sore-throat, medical history, and conduct an examination,” Kroger said.

Around 250 Kroger Health pharmacists received specialized training to be able to administer the tests and prescribe appropriate medication. Kroger operates around 2000 pharmacies total.

”Our pharmacists practice at the top of their licenses," said Jim Kirby, senior director of Kroger Health Services, Kroger Health. "That enables them to provide a host of services that most people wouldn't expect– but would definitely appreciate– from a community pharmacy.”

“Customers, who may or may not have a primary care physician, can stop by our pharmacy for testing and consultations while they are doing their grocery shopping,” Kirby added.

Kroger also 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.

Kroger partnered with Tennessee hospital network Ascension Saint Thomas Health to use its Kroger 360care program, according to a press release.

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.

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

References:

• Kroger Health Pharmacies in Idaho and Michigan Add Strep Throat and Flu Testing to Service Offerings [news release]. Kroger Health’s website. https://www.krogerhealth.com/news/kroger-health-pharmacies-idaho-michigan-add-strep-throat-flu-testing-service-offerings. Accessed January 23, 2020.