AMAZON

E-commerce giant opens virtual medical clinics in the US

Amazon has launched a virtual platform where users can connect with healthcare professionals to help treat common ailments like allergies and skin conditions.

It is the retailer's next step in the health market. The company already purchased online pharmacy PillPack in 2018 to support price comparison site Amazon Pharmacy, which allows users to buy over-the-counter medications using their Amazon Prime subscription.

The service is available immediately in 32 US states. Does not include health insurance and prices may vary.

The online retailer first tested virtual care visits for its own staff in Seattle in 2019, before offering services to other employers under the Amazon Care brand. That brand will be discontinued this year.

Last summer, Amazon announced its intention to acquire One Medical, the company's third most expensive purchase, for $3.49 billion.

One Medical is actually a subscription service that works like a general practitioner with a lab and offers 24/7 online support. Americans pay $200 a year for a video call consultation, but they can also get a physical exam.

Amazon Health Services CEO Neil Lindsay said in a press release that healthcare needs to be reinvented as far as he's concerned. People often have to wait a long time for an appointment.

mundophone