Amazon Launches Virtual Health Clinic For Its Employees

Amazon rolled out a virtual health clinic with in-home follow-ups for employees in Seattle, Geekwire reported on Tuesday (Sept. 24).

Amazon Care offers online primary care and non-emergency checkups as well as prescription deliveries and in-home or in-office doctors’ visits.

The new service is part of Amazon’s push to deepen its footprint in the healthcare industry. Last year it acquired PillPack, a prescription drug delivery service. It is also co-leading a joint venture called “Haven” with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase. Haven is aimed at reducing the cost of healthcare for employees.

Apple, Google and Microsoft are also exploring healthcare platforms that use artificial intelligence and wearables.

With Amazon Care, employees and their families will have an option to see a health provider via a mobile app or website, and they can text a nurse on any health topic. If an employee needs follow-up care, a nurse will visit the patient at home. Prescriptions are delivered in hours or can be picked up at a pharmacy.

Amazon employees who participate in the program can also receive routine medical care, such as vaccines, lab work, contraception, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases, according to the Amazon Care website.

Amazon has contracted with Oasis Medical Group led by Martin Levine, M.D., a service provider, to deliver healthcare services to its employees.

The tech giant is testing the program at its Seattle headquarters — and if it’s successful, Amazon Care will be offered in other cities, a spokesperson told GeekWire.

“We’re currently piloting a healthcare benefit designed to help Amazon employees get fast access to healthcare without an appointment, at the convenience of their schedules, at their preferred location (home, office, or virtual),” Amazon said in a statement to GeekWire. “Amazon Care eliminates travel and wait time, connecting employees and their family members to a physician or nurse practitioner through live chat or video, with the option for in-person follow up services from a registered nurse ranging from immunizations to instant strep throat detection.”

Earlier this month, Amazon launched an exclusive line of over-the-counter health products. The Basic Care is produced by private-label manufacturer Perrigo and includes 60 health items that range from over-the-counter medications to hygiene products.