Late last month, Saint Thomas Health announced a clinically integrated alliance with The Little Clinic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., to offer extended patient access to healthcare throughout Middle Tennessee. The Little Clinic operates 22 clinics with more than 65 advanced practitioners in Middle Tennessee.

The alliance is designed to connect The Little Clinic's local in-store clinics, as well as Kroger pharmacies, with the more than 500 physicians and clinicians of Saint Thomas Medical Partners. STMP physicians will collaborate with The Little Clinic's practitioners to enhance the overall experience for patients through integrated care, including consultations with Kroger pharmacists and dietitians. Patients who need a personal physician will have a coordinated experience to connect with a Saint Thomas Medical Partners primary care physician and other specialists or services as needed.

"Working in collaboration with Saint Thomas Health for the benefit of everyone in the community goes a long way in making low-acuity healthcare services more conveniently and readily available, as well as helps to lower cost and improve patient outcomes," said Marc Watkins, MD, chief medical officer for The Little Clinic.

The alliance, which became effective Oct. 31, is expected to have full implementation in all sites by early 2018. In the coming months, the Saint Thomas Medical Partners logo will be added to Kroger and The Little Clinic locations across Middle Tennessee recognizing the relationship.