Amazon announced this week that it launched its virtual health clinic nationwide, meaning customers could now get treatment in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Amazon Clinic is aimed at giving on-demand, 24/7 care for about 30 common health conditions such as pinkeye, COVID, or a sinus infection. Folks nationwide can get video consultations through the service while regulations allow text-based consultation in 34 states.
Amazon itself doesn’t provide the care but rather acts as a platform to connect patients to partners that provide care while allowing its customers to compare services and prices. Amazon does not yet accept insurance for these consultations but says a typical text message consultation costs $35, while a typical video consultation costs around $75.
“At Amazon, we want to make it dramatically easier for people to get and stay healthy, and werre doing that by helping customers get the care and medications they need in the way that is most convenient for them,” wrote Dr. Nworah Ayogu, chief medical officer for Amazon Clinic in a company blog post. “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.”
Previously, Amazon Clinic was available in as a text-based service only in the states that allowed it. Now, with video calls, you can get care nationwide, along with filling any prescriptions through Amazon’s pharmacy.
You can access Amazon Clinic via the company’s website or app — so yes, you can one-stop shop for your tissues, medications, and doctor every time you have a cold.
