Urgent care market braces for CVS and Walgreens entry

A new report predicts significant growth in the urgent care niche over the next several years, likely with greater participation by community pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens. While neither brand intends to directly enter the business, both are broadening the range of services they offer and are entering into partnerships with local health care systems that do offer urgent care centers. In January, for instance, Advocate Health Care agreed to assume ownership and operation of dozens of health clinics located within Chicago-area Walgreens locations.