Amazon is deepening its healthcare offerings with the launch of Amazon Clinic, a virtual care service that offers treatment for common health ailments.
Announced in a Tuesday (Nov. 15) press release, the service marks a continuation of the retailer’s push into the healthcare field, where it competes with not only rival Walmart but companies like CVS and Walgreens in offering primary care services.
Designed for conditions like allergies, acne and hair loss, the clinic lets customers select their condition and pick a provider from a list compiled by the company, according to the release. After an intake questionnaire, patients connect with clinicians through a messaging portal and get a treatment plan.
Available in 32 states, Amazon Clinic does not yet accept insurance. Like standard doctor’s visits, the cost of medication is not included, although customers can use their insurance to pay for medications, the release stated.
The launch follows Amazon’s purchase of One Medical, a tech-powered primary care provider that the company bought in July for $3.9 billion.
This summer also saw Walmart close a 10-year deal with UnitedHealth for a program to launch 15 Walmart Health locations in Georgia and Florida next year. Optum, a UnitedHealth Group business, will oversee the launch and help Walmart Health clinicians with analytics and decision support tools.
Meanwhile, another example of the move toward virtual care and platforms can be found in CVS Health’s evolution from a pharmacy-only focus to an overall healthcare effort. Earlier this year, the company launched CVS Health Virtual Primary Care, a virtual care solution available via a digital platform and offering a wide range of services digitally.
The virtual care trend is gaining momentum, according to The ConnectedEconomy™: Omnichannel Healthcare Takes Center Stage, a collaboration between PYMNTS and CareCredit. The report showed that nearly half (46%) of consumers receive care through a mix of physical and digital channels.
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