Publix Adding Walk-In Care Centers at Some Sites

Publix Super Markets said it would add walk-in non-urgent care centers to 26 of its in-store pharmacies in the Tampa area by year-end, providing shoppers with remote access to physicians.

The initiative is part of a previously announced partnership with BayCare Health System, which resulted late last year in Publix-branded pharmacies in four BayCare-operated hospitals.

The walk-in centers include a telehealth kiosk where shoppers can receive non-urgent medical care from board-certified physicians through teleconferencing and medical diagnostic equipment. The private room allows patients to easily enter symptoms and work with medical tools such as thermometers, otoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and high definition cameras to help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

Publix Pharmacy support staff are available to assist patients.

The first center opened in December in Valrico, Fla., and a second in Tampa earlier this month. Twenty-four additional stores will add those facilities by year-end.

"Pharmacists are a part of many patients' wellness plans, and our Publix Pharmacists have been serving our communities through a variety of services like vaccinations, health screenings, free and discounted medications, and more," Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. "This Walk-In Care clinic takes our partnership with physicians to a new level. Together, we'll help keep our community feeling well."

Related:Publix and BayCare Health System Announce Collaboration

Publix stores in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties also feature BayCare HealthHub self-service screening stations to provide shoppers with free health information, including blood pressure, pulse, weight and body mass index.