There are lot of things to dislike about the waiting room at your doctor's office—germy fellow patients, antiquated reading material, a complete lack of shampoo and energy drinks for sale. CVS will be able to rectify at least the last issue after regulations approved yesterday by the state's Public Health Council will allow the corporation to place small medical centers within its stores.
The regulations will also open the door to companies like Wal-Mart who have experimented with in-store clinics in other states.
According to the Globe, CVS will begin opening its MinuteClinics in Massachusetts this fall, with 100-120 in the works state-wide. They are staffed by nurse practitioners who can treat minor (and college-friendly) problems such as strep throat, bronchitis, and athlete's foot. The piece also says that care in Connecticut generally runs $59—which, while reasonable, is higher than the cost of the Allston-preferred treatment of sleep, Jim Beam and more sleep.
The Herald editorial board called the move "a no-brainer" that will increase access to needed medical services. Critics, however, worry about the quality of the profit-driven care offered and the accessibility—when needed—of more serious medical attention. In the Globe they also point to the danger of further fragmentation of the state's health care structure.
Still, in light of the near exhaustion of current resources and the expected influx of patients through the new health insurance options, the board said this will be useful in providing for "vulnerable populations." Not to mention, Honey Nut Cheerios are half off through Saturday.
Post contributed by Gerard Sloan.
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