Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health Care will close its in-store clinics at Walgreens locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, effective Feb. 6, a spokesperson for the health system confirmed to Becker's.
Advocate Health operates 47 Walgreens-based clinics in Illinois and eight in Wisconsin. The clinics are staffed by one to two medical office assistants as well as clinicians who support virtual care.
"We are partnering closely with Walgreens to navigate this transition and will support employees by working to find them alternative roles within our organization that best align with their skills and preferences," a spokesperson for the system said in a statement provided to Becker's.
The health system said the move will allow it to expand patient-preferred care options, including virtual services, urgent care and primary care access.
Last month, Advocate Health announced a $1 billion investment in new facilities and services on Chicago's South Side. More than $500 million will fund outpatient care expansion, adding 85,000 new appointments annually for easier access to primary care and specialists. This includes 10 new Advocate Health Care Neighborhood Care locations, beginning with the South Side YMCA in the coming months.