In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, accessibility and convenience have become paramount. For residents in and around Bloomfield, Iowa, this need was addressed with the opening of the state’s first pharmacist-led walk-in clinic. This initiative, spearheaded by Mylo Wells, ’18 PharmD, offers an innovative approach to healthcare delivery in rural areas.
The Wells Hometown Clinic, connected to Wells Hometown Drug, provides a much-needed alternative to traditional healthcare by allowing patients to receive care without the lengthy commute. “With the new Standard of Care Act passing, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to fill a need in our community,” said Wells, who is both the owner of the clinic and pharmacy. This legislative change positions Iowa alongside Idaho and Alaska as the third state to permit pharmacist-led clinics, thereby addressing the healthcare provider shortage prevalent in rural zones.
The legislation, enacted in 2024 and effective from August 2025, empowers pharmacists to engage in expanded roles, including diagnosing, treating, prescribing medications, and ordering necessary tests. As an Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) board member, Wells has observed a variety of common conditions treated at the clinic, such as upper respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as skin rashes like poison ivy/oak. However, more critical emergencies are directed to nearby emergency departments. “We don’t do stitches or set broken bones,” Wells clarified.
Qualified Staff
Alongside Wells, Caitlin Rohrbaugh, ’24 PharmD, serves as a key player in the clinic’s operations. “When hiring for the role, I specifically looked for an Iowa graduate because I knew they’d have a strong clinical pharmacy background,” Wells noted. Both Wells and Rohrbaugh have completed a rigorous 40-hour urgent-care provider course. Complementing their efforts is Mary Lawson, an RN with prior experience in pharmacy settings.
Despite the novelty of pharmacist-led clinics, current insurance coverage is limited to Medicaid. To alleviate financial constraints for self-paying patients, Wells has set the cost per visit at a modest $50. His education at the University of Iowa (UI) and active participation in the IPA have been instrumental in achieving his goal of enhancing healthcare in his community.
“I am extremely grateful to the UI for providing me a high-level pharmacy education that has allowed me to pursue this type of practice advancement,” Wells expressed. “Being involved in the IPA has helped me learn of the opportunities available for practice advancement. They have also been instrumental as a resource to help guide me as questions come up with the clinic.”
The reception from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous five-star reviews highlighting the clinic’s convenience and the staff’s expertise. “The clinic aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest-level pharmacy care in Southeast Iowa,” Wells affirmed.
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