Amazon bets big on virtual care, unveils nationwide telehealth service through its website, mobile app

Amazon bets big on virtual care, unveils nationwide telehealth service through its website, mobile app hlandi Amazon bets big on virtual care, unveils nationwide telehealth service through its website, mobile apphlandiTue, 08/01/2023 - 06:41

Amazon Clinic is expanding to all 50 states, including nationwide telehealth services to offer access to clinicians through its website and mobile app.

The online retail giant unveiled Amazon Clinic back in November as a virtual medical clinic to provide care for 35 common health concerns like urinary tract infection, pink eye, and acid reflux. Launched as a message-based virtual consultation service, Amazon Clinic connects consumers with licensed clinicians who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for a range of common health and lifestyle conditions.

The service was available in 34 states and has now been expanded nationwide and to Washington, D.C., along with the addition of video visits with providers on Amazon.com and the mobile app, the company announced in a blog post on Tuesday.

Amazon Clinic is currently cash pay and does not yet accept insurance, the company said.

Nworah Ayogu, M.D., chief medical officer and general manager at Amazon Clinic, said the virtual health services help customers get the care and medications they need in the way that is most convenient for them.

"As a doctor, I’ve seen firsthand that patients want to be healthy but lack the time, tools, or resources to effectively manage their care. Amazon provides multiple health services to provide the choice, convenience, and continuity of care customers need when it comes to their health. Amazon Clinic removes barriers by helping customers treat their everyday health concerns wherever they are, at any time of day. And, they can see the cost before they start the visit," Ayogu wrote in the blog post.

The expanded service had been anticipated but was reportedly delayed due to lawmakers' concerns about the company's privacy practices, Politico reported back in June. Senators Peter Welch, D-Vermont, and Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts sent a letter to Amazon executives inquiring about patient health data privacy and expressed concerns that the platform’s new healthcare service is putting users’ private health data at risk, Politico reported, citing an email source. (Source: Fierce Healthcare)