4 March 2021 - - US-based pharmacy operator Walgreens has extended its digital health platform, Walgreens Find Care, to include 11 new and four expanded collaborations with service providers, offering easier access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said.

The new and expanded services span regional health systems and leaders in diabetes healthcare technology, hearing, vision, at-home COVID-19 testing, colon cancer screening, lab testing, mental health, musculoskeletal pain and non-surgical back and neck rehabilitation.

With these additions, individuals can now access more than 45 national and local healthcare service providers through Walgreens Find Care.

As the US approaches one year since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency, use of the Walgreens Find Care platform has rapidly increased to nearly 20 m visits, equal to a 13-fold rise in web traffic versus last year.

Expansion of these services is important as the pandemic continues and both patients and practitioners seek to reduce exposure to COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided continued guidance to healthcare facilities and providers to offer clinical services through telehealth to help address medical needs while supporting social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the CDC, remote access to healthcare services may also better serve those who are medically or socially vulnerable or who do not have ready access to providers.

Walgreens Find Care is the digital "front door" to an integrated healthcare and pharmacy experience, which helps patients access in-person and virtual healthcare expertise from the comfort of their own home.

Through this online marketplace, patients can connect with local and national service providers they trust, all through the convenience of the Walgreens mobile app or online.

Walgreens Find Care helps patients book appointments for a range of services like urgent care, telehealth, mental health, lab testing, physician house calls and even hearing and optical services.

Since its initial launch in July 2018, Walgreens Find Care continues to expand to include new features and service providers, connecting patients and customers with more options to get convenient and affordable access to care from their computers and mobile devices.
Healthcare offerings are shown based on a user's location, ensuring patients connect with service providers they know and trust. In addition, using the Walgreens app, patients can fill their prescriptions at Walgreens and choose their preferred delivery method from in-store pick up, drive-thru or delivery to their home.

Patients can also connect with a Walgreens pharmacist 24/7 using Pharmacy Chat available online or through the Walgreens app.

Walgreens is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), a leader in retail and wholesale pharmacy.