CVS To Open 1,500 HealthHUB Stores As It Focuses Its Attention On Health Services

CVS Health (CVS) has announced that it will open 1,500 HealthHUBs by the end of 2021 as it looks to accelerate its growth potential, simplify the health system for consumers, and set itself up for long-term growth.

The company implemented a pilot program of its HealthHUB stores with three locations in Houston, which it said was a success. HealthHUB offers consumers “convenient, personalized and integrated access to local health care,” CVS said.

CVS HealthHUBs offer access to labs for blood work and health screenings, in addition to wellness rooms, dietitians, and respiratory specialists. CVS said it will open new HealthHUBs in Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, and Tampa in 2019.

"Our goal is to fundamentally transform the consumer health experience for the millions of Americans we interact with every day, while creating value for our patients, members, partners, and shareholders," Larry J. Merlo , president and CEO at CVS Health said. "We have combined with Aetna to build a powerful and unique business model that will guide our journey to becoming the most consumer-centric health company."

The company also announced that it will work to optimize government health care programs while developing programs aimed at complex health conditions. It also said it will modernize its operations after the $70 billion acquisition of health insurer Aetna for additional cost savings.

In the announcement from CVS, the company also reaffirmed its 2019 goals, which include consolidating revenues to $251.2 to $254.4 billion. The company also anticipates an adjusted operating income of $15 to $15.2 billion, and GAAP operating income of $11.8 to $12 billion.

The company announced in May that it was closing 46 CVS stores that were underperforming.

Shares of CVS stock were up 3.56 percent as of 12:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday.