CVS to Open In-Store Clinics

The Rhode Island-based drugstore chain CVS will open as many as 125 so-called MinuteClinics in its Massachusetts stores, to allow customers to see a nurse practitioner for treatment of routine illnesses.

CVS announced the plan immediately after state regulators approved rules for the clinics yesterday.

Some critics say they're worried the clinics mean patients will forego visits to doctors, and lose out on the benefits of having a relationship with a primary care physician.

However, supporters say there's such a shortage of primary care doctors in the state, that MinuteClinics can provide crucial services.