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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 ([email protected]) © 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 ([email protected]) © 2019 Cengage Learning, Cengage Learning

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