In-store clinics: Walmart and CVS heading in different directions

[297point1]

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-...cs-trail-cvs-generating-39-growth-retail.html

In 2007, Lee Scott, then Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s chief executive officer, trumpeted plans to open as many as 2,000 in-house medical clinics by mid-2012. He called the strategy “a great opportunity for our business.”

Today Wal-Mart has fewer than 130 clinics and is closing locations faster than it’s opening them. Meanwhile, CVS Caremark Corp., which already has about 630 MinuteClinics, is opening about three a week, and aims to have 1,500 within four years. It’s promoting the clinics heavily on TV and the Web. While industry figures are hard to come by, CVS says its clinic business has grown at a compound annual rate of 39 percent in the last six years.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

I hope we get one in my store. They are pretty sweet for CVS employees. No copay and no appointments.

 

[TonyRx]

I hope we get one in my store. They are pretty sweet for CVS employees. No copay and no appointments.

Yea, same deal with our Take Care Clinics at Wags. Pretty neat and convenient.

 

[jrise]

I wish they would allow them in NY

 

[bob1234]

We have a hospital and Nextcare (think urgent care) right down the street from us, but people ask for the CVS Minute clinics and Walgreen take care clinics all of the time. Is there a shorter wait time at the retail clinics?

 

[Lubeckd]

I wish they would allow them in NY

We have some in NYC times square. Doctors on premise for Duane reade.

 

[297point1]

Follow up article in the Detroit Free Press:
http://www.freep.com/article/201303...nics-A-rapidly-growing-option-for-sick-people

I must say I was surprised at the fee structure- $79 to $89 visit fee seems similar to the U&C charge at a physician office for a sick visit. For the uninsured, it's not a cheaper option, just faster.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

We have a hospital and Nextcare (think urgent care) right down the street from us, but people ask for the CVS Minute clinics and Walgreen take care clinics all of the time. Is there a shorter wait time at the retail clinics?

The most I've ever waited was like 15 minutes.