Report: In-store clinics at Walgreen, CVS add specialty services

Deerfield, Ill. In response to shoppers who choose to visit in-store clinics versus costly specialists when treating minor health conditions, Walgreens and CVS/Caremark are introducing services that address more specialized conditions, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Moving beyond treatments for the common cold, ear infections and the flu, the retailers are starting to bring in nurses trained to treat problems ranging from wart and skin-tag removals to more serious chronic concerns. For example, in Tampa and Orlando, Fla., Walgreens is piloting a program that provides injections for patients with asthma and osteoporosis, the article said.

Both Walgreens and CVS recently announced they are slowing expansion of their walk-in clinics, but the chains expect the new initiative to increase traffic and revenue, the article reported.