Amazon’s Telehealth Service Now Accessible Nationwide

Amazon has made its digital healthcare service, Clinic, accessible across the entire United States, including Washington, DC. Users can now have video visits with clinicians nationwide, and in 34 states, they can also engage in text-only conversations. These services are conveniently accessible through Amazon’s website and mobile app.

Launched in November, the Clinic is intended to treat more than 30 common health problems, such as birth control prescriptions, migraines and pink eye. You choose a remote healthcare provider, fill out the application form and contact the doctor. You don’t need an appointment or insurance, and the price is displayed before you contact us. Amazon hopes that you fill all necessary prescriptions through its internal pharmacy service, but any third-party pharmacy is an option. Help with additional terms is to be received “in the coming months”, the company adds.

The clinic is part of Amazon’s long-term effort to cover many aspects of healthcare. It bought PillPack (Pharmacy’s foundation) in 2018 and in 2019-2022 offered the Care telehealth service to its own employees and other companies. Amazon recently closed its $3.9 billion purchase of One Medical, making it a primary healthcare provider with a physical presence, virtual options and lab testing. Under the right circumstances, you may only interact with Amazon businesses.

These stores have received regulatory oversight. While the Federal Trade Commission said it would not challenge the One Medical acquisition in February, it warned that it would continue to examine the merger for potential anticompetitive and privacy issues arising from access to health information. The commission said it could challenge the deal later if it finds concerns. So far, though, Amazon’s healthcare ambitions aren’t facing much resistance — it’s now an alternative to traditional clinics, at least for everyday problems.