Walgreen has opened 50 in-store clinics in five markets since last year and plans to operate 250 nationwide by August. They have 5,584 stores nationwide. "The clinics over time will help lower health care costs," CEO Jeffrey Rein said.

Walgreen hopes the in-store clinics, which offer treatment for minor ailments and are operated by nurse practitioners, will boost prescription drug sales and encourage customer loyalty. Walgreen is moving forward carefully with the expansion in an effort to avoid alienating doctors.

CVS, Wal-Mart and Target in the past three years also have opened in-store clinics. I applaud this trend given the growing shortage of Family Practice physicians.