W4 Video case study
Chapter 19: CVS: “Fired Up” about Social Responsibility: 19-5 Criticism against CVS Book Title: Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases Printed By: Kennisha Holloman (kholloman@grantham.edu) © 2019 Cengage Learning, Cengage Learning
19-5 Criticism against CVS
CVS’s new programs are encroaching on the medical industry by providing services to
patients. As customers increasingly choose to visit local pharmacy clinics for aches, pains,
or common illnesses, primary physicians are feeling the losses, especially since this
sectors’ health care professionals are dwindling. Choosing a retail pharmacy clinic over a
physician’s office benefits the patient with lower costs and savings, which is a threat to
traditional doctors’ offices. Some groups are publicizing negative feedback on pharmacy
care. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement warning
patients not to visit such clinics because they cannot offer the specialized care children
need. Some groups argue that programs such as CVS’s MinuteClinics do not offer the same
caliber of service and care as a doctor. However, as stated above, CVS holds itself to a very
high standard for care in trying to help patients be healthy. It continues to be accredited by
the Joint Commission.
CVS MinuteClinics do recognize their limitations, however. Their website offers information
to visitors regarding when they should and should not visit the clinics. For example, the
website recommends that patients with severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of
breath and difficulty breathing, poisoning, temperatures above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (for
adults) and 104 (for children), and ailments requiring controlled substances should seek
care elsewhere. MinuteClinics’s staff nurse practitioners and physician assistants generally
provide services for minor wounds, common illnesses, wellness tests, and physicals, etc.
Other information regarding insurance and pricing are also available on the website.
Chapter 19: CVS: “Fired Up” about Social Responsibility: 19-5 Criticism against CVS Book Title: Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases Printed By: Kennisha Holloman (kholloman@grantham.edu) © 2019 Cengage Learning, Cengage Learning
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