When illness requires immediate medical care, the last thing you want to do is drive nearly 30 minutes to the appointment and another 30 minutes back. That was the case for residents in and around Bloomfield, Iowa, when needing to use a walk-in clinic, until Mylo Wells, ’18 PharmD, opened Iowa’s first pharmacist-led walk-in clinic last November.

Wells Hometown Clinic connects to Wells Hometown Drug and gives community members a more convenient option for quality health care. “With the new Standard of Care Act passing, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to fill a need in our community,” said Wells, who owns the clinic and pharmacy. “The regulatory framework helps the provider shortage in Iowa, especially rural areas.” Iowa is the third state, behind Idaho and Alaska, to allow pharmacist-led clinics.

Passed in 2024 and put into effect in August 2025 after Iowa Board of Pharmacy updates, the legislation enables pharmacists to practice at the top of their license. They can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication, and order labs and other tests deemed necessary. Wells, an Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) board member, said common illnesses among the more than 300 patients they’ve seen are upper respiratory and urinary tract infections; poison ivy/oak; and other types of rashes. Any emergencies go to the emergency department. “We don’t do stitches or set broken bones,” he said.

Qualified Staff

Caitlin Rohrbaugh, ’24 PharmD, is Wells’ counterpart in the clinic. “When hiring for the role, I specifically looked for an Iowa graduate because I knew they’d have a strong clinical pharmacy background,” said Wells. The pair have completed a 40-hour urgent-care provider course. Rounding out the staff is Mary Lawson, an RN who previously worked in the pharmacy.

Because pharmacist-led clinics are new, only Medicaid currently covers visits – not Medicare or commercial insurance. To ease the financial burden, Wells charges only $50 per visit for self-paying patients. He noted his University of Iowa (UI) training and IPA participation helped meet the goal of filling a need in his home state. 

“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,” said Wells. “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.” 

So far, feedback from patients has been positive. “We’ve been getting five-star reviews. They’ve stated it’s convenient and our staff is knowledgeable and addresses their primary concern in a way they feel confident it will improve,” said Wells. “The clinic aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest-level pharmacy care in Southeast Iowa.”