Amazon is expanding its virtual clinic, which it started last autumn, to include video telemedicine visits in all 50 states, as the retail giant moves deeper into care delivery.
Amazon said on Tuesday that consumers can access its virtual clinic around the clock via Amazon’s website or app. They can compare prices & response times before deciding on a telemedicine provider from a list of possibilities.
The clinic, which does not accept insurance, first opened its doors last fall with a concentration on text message consultations. They are still available in 34 states.
According to Amazon, the clinic provides care for more than 30 common health ailments.
When COVID-19 was released a few years ago, virtual care, or telemedicine, soared in popularity. It continues to be popular as a convenient option to consult a doctor or treat minor health conditions such as urinary tract infections or pink eye.
Amazon also says its virtual clinics are going to treat erectile dysfunction.
In a blog post, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nworah Ayogu stated that the clinic’s goal is to remove barriers to enable individuals cure “everyday health concerns.”
“As a doctor, I’ve seen firsthand how patients want to be healthy yet lack the time, instruments, or resources to efficiently handle their care,” wrote Ayogu.
According to Amazon, messaging-based consultations cost an average of $35, while video sessions cost $75.
That’s less than the cost of numerous in-person doctor visits, which can exceed $100 for those without insurance or with coverage that has a high deductible.
Amazon also distributes prescription drugs via its Amazon Pharmacy business, in addition to virtual care. It also completed a $3.9 billion purchase of the membership-based primary care supplier One physician earlier this year, which had over 815,000 clients and 214 physician offices in more than 20 cities.