Amazon launches new virtual health service
Just months after announcing it was closing its primary health services business, e-commerce giant Amazon is once again stepping into the healthcare sector with a new services offering, Amazon Clinic.
Amazon Clinic is a message-based, virtual care service that connects customers with virtual care options for more than 20 common health conditions, including allergies, acne and hair loss. The online retailer stated it hoped to “make it dramatically easier for people to get and stay healthy.”
The launch of Amazon Care comes as Amazon is closing its $3.9 billion acquisition of One Medical, which offers a combination of in-person, digital and virtual care services. That deal immediately drew criticism from some lawmakers who see the deal as giving Amazon too much power. Amazon also surprised many when it revealed it was closing down Amazon Care, which was its primary healthcare services business that was expanding earlier to reach 20 cities by the end of the year. Instead, Amazon reversed its track and is closing the business by year end.
Amazon Clinic asks customers to select their condition, choose their preferred provider from a list of licensed and qualified telehealth providers and complete a short intake questionnaire. From there, customers are connected with clinicians through a secure message-based portal. The clinicians will send a personalized treatment plan via the portal, including any prescriptions to the customer’s preferred pharmacy.
“Amazon Clinic is just one of the ways we’re working to empower people to take control of their health by providing access to convenient, affordable care in partnership with trusted providers,” wrote Nworah Ayogu, MD, chief medical officer and general manager of Amazon Clinic, in a blog post about the new endeavor. “Our new healthcare store lets customers choose from a network of leading telehealth providers based on their preferences. Every telehealth provider on Amazon Clinic has gone through rigorous clinical quality and customer experience evaluations by Amazon’s clinical leadership team.”
The service will also direct customers if Amazon Clinic believes virtual care may not be right for them. At this point, Amazon Clinic said it does not accept insurance. The cost of consultations will vary by provider and also includes follow-up messages with their clinician for two weeks after the initial consultation.
While Amazon Clinic will send any prescriptions to the customer’s preferred pharmacy, customers can also fill their medications with Amazon’s full-service online pharmacy, Amazon Pharmacy, which offers 24.7 access to pharmacists and free delivery of prescription medications. Amazon Clinic is initially offered in 32 states.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."