CVS Pharmacy's MinuteClinics now open in Chicago area Target stores

CVS Pharmacy today announced the rebranding and opening of the first MinuteClinics in Chicago area Target stores.

There are now 56 MinuteClinics in the Chicago metropolitan area including the rebranded clinics in Target and those located in CVS Pharmacy stores.

"The new MinuteClinic locations inside Target will offer the same scope of services available to patients at all our other clinics in Illinois and nationwide," CVS MinuteClinic President and CVS Health EVP and Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew Sussman said. "In addition, some services will be new to Target guests, including treatment for minor sprains and strains, contraceptive care, smoking cessation counseling, and weight loss assessment and coaching."

MinuteClinics allow patients to see a nurse practitioner seven days a week. Appointments are not necessary, but patients can go to www.minuteclinic.com and put their names into the queue at a clinic. A text is sent approximately one half hour before the patient will be seen. MinuteClinics accept most major health insurance plans. In addition, treatment prices are posted at the clinics and online.

"About 50 percent of MinuteClinic visits occur on evenings, weekends and holidays when patients may not be able to get an appointment with their primary care provider and otherwise may need to choose more expensive emergency department or urgent care options," Sussman said. "Also, approximately half of the patients seen at MinuteClinic are 'medically homeless' and do not have a personal physician."