Amazon Adds Video Telemedicine Visits to Virtual Clinic
(NEWSnet/AP) — Amazon is adding video telemedicine visits in all 50 states to a virtual clinic it launched in 2022, as the e-commerce giant pushes deeper into care delivery.
Amazon said Tuesday that customers can visit its virtual clinic round-the-clock through Amazon’s website or app. They can compare prices and response times prior to choosing a telemedicine provider from among several options.
The clinic, which doesn’t accept insurance, was initiated in fall 2022 with a focus on text message-based consultation. That option remains available in 34 states. The new video telemedicine option also is available in Washington, D.C.
Virtual care, or telemedicine, exploded in popularity when COVID-19 hit. It continues to be a convenient way to connect with a doctor or deal with relatively minor health concerns.
Amazon says its clinic offers care for more than 30 common health conditions. Those include sinus infections, acne, COVID-19 and acid reflux. The clinic also offers treatment for motion sickness, seasonal allergies and several sexual health conditions, including erectile dysfunction. It also provides birth control and emergency contraception.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nworah Ayogu said in a blog post that the clinic aims to remove barriers to help people treat everyday health concerns.
“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,” Ayogu wrote.
Amazon said messaging-based consultations cost $35 on average and video visits cost $75.
Although a virtual visit can improve access to help, some doctors worry it can lead to care fragmentation and make it more difficult to track a patient's overall health. That could happen if a patient has a regular doctor who doesn't learn about the virtual visit from another provider.
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