Amazon Launches Nationwide Virtual Health Clinic Service: Amazon Clinic

Amazon announced on Tuesday that it is rolling out its virtual health clinic service, called Amazon Clinic, nationwide.

The service, launched by the e-retailer last November, allows users to connect with healthcare providers virtually to receive treatment for common conditions such as sinus infections, acne, and migraines. Users can select their condition, choose a provider, and answer a brief questionnaire. Depending on their location, users can connect with clinicians through video or text messaging.

Amazon Clinic does not directly provide telemedicine services, but rather serves as a platform connecting telemedicine partners with patients. Current partners include Curai Health, Hello Alpha, SteadyMD, and Wheel.

With this announcement, users in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., can access Amazon Clinic through video visits. However, due to regulatory issues, message-based chat is only available in 32 states.

In an interview with WS News Publishers, Nworah Ayogu, the chief medical officer and general manager of Amazon Clinic, explained that the company thoroughly evaluates the quality of each provider and their internal operations to ensure they meet the standards. Additionally, Amazon Clinic ensures that the provider groups are available across all 50 states to deliver timely care.

Currently, Amazon Clinic does not accept insurance, but consumers can use their insurance to cover the cost of prescribed medications. Prescriptions can be filled at any pharmacy, including Amazon’s online pharmacy, which handles fulfillment and delivery.

The company did not disclose the number of users who have signed up for Amazon Clinic.

Amazon has made various attempts to enter the healthcare industry, including the launch of its online pharmacy in 2020 and the acquisition of health-care provider OneMedical. It also collaborated with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan to improve employer health programs before discontinuing the initiative.

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