Why Amazon Clinic shows pricing upfront

Why Amazon Clinic shows pricing upfront unknown

Amazon Clinic, the tech giant's virtual care platform, says it shows patients pricing upfront so they aren't caught off guard later on.

"When many people feel sick, they end up at urgent care without knowing what they'll be charged," Nworah Ayogu, MD, chief medical officer and general manager of Amazon Clinic, said in an Oct. 25 news release. "They either pay a copay at the time of treatment or get a surprise bill in the mail weeks later. Amazon Clinic customers see pricing before they commit to care, which is a radically different health care experience."

The service launched in November before going nationwide in August, offering virtual visits for $75 each and text-based consults for $35. Amazon partners with other telehealth providers on the platform, which doesn't accept insurance.

Amazon Clinic recently added cough, cold and flu symptoms to the service based on consumer demand, according to the release.