Amazon recently announced the expansion of its virtual health care marketplace, Amazon Clinic, to include treatment for common ailments such as cough, cold, and flu. Customers can now conveniently select the “Cough, cold, and flu” option from the “Find a treatment” list on Amazon Clinic’s desktop or mobile platform.
Key Takeaway
Amazon Clinic, the virtual health care marketplace, now offers treatment for cough, cold, and flu. Through this platform, users can connect with licensed clinicians, receive timely care, and explore treatment options within minutes or hours rather than waiting days or weeks. Amazon’s expansion in the healthcare industry shows its commitment to enhancing access to quality care for its customers.
Connecting Users with Telehealth Providers
Through Amazon Clinic, users can browse a list of available telehealth providers and compare pricing and response times. After completing an intake form that captures their symptoms and basic health history, users are connected with licensed clinicians either through a secure messaging portal or a video call.
The clinicians will then provide appropriate treatment, which may include issuing a prescription that can be conveniently filled by Amazon Pharmacy or another pharmacy of choice. This streamlined process allows for timely care and relief.
Importance of Quick Treatment
Dr. Nworah Ayogu, Chief Medical Officer and General Manager of Amazon Clinic, highlighted the importance of prompt treatment for conditions such as the flu. By quickly connecting users with healthcare providers who understand their condition, Amazon Clinic offers a platform through which customers can explore treatment options and receive appropriate care within minutes or hours, rather than days or weeks.
Enhancing Access to Healthcare
Launched in November 2022, Amazon Clinic serves as a platform to connect users with healthcare providers through telemedicine. Though Amazon Clinic does not provide healthcare services directly, it offers a streamlined solution for users to access remote care for over 35 common health concerns, including asthma, eczema, acid reflux, and pinkeye.
Today’s announcement is another milestone in Amazon’s continuous efforts to establish a presence in the healthcare industry. While Amazon had previously launched and shut down a telehealth service called Amazon Care, it has since closed a $3.9 billion acquisition of healthcare provider OneMedical and launched Amazon Pharmacy following its acquisition of PillPack.
Despite the closure of its joint venture with JP Morgan and Berkshire Hathaway to build an employee healthcare operation, Amazon remains committed to expanding its healthcare offerings and enhancing access to quality care for its customers.
