Amazon launches virtual health service for common problems such as allergies and acne
Christopher Hutton
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Amazon launched a new telehealth initiative that will offer users care for common afflictions, including allergies and acne, in an effort to compete with newer online healthcare companies such as Hims and Keeps.
The retail giant announced Tuesday that it was launching Amazon Clinic, a virtual health clinic that would provide essential services to Prime users in 32 states. The project arrives several months after Amazon acquired the medical company One Medical for $3.9 billion and after it ended its internal medical service for employees.
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“We believe that improving the occasional and ongoing engagement experience is necessary to making care dramatically better,” Amazon wrote in a blog post. “We also believe that customers should have the agency to choose what works best for them. Amazon Clinic is just one of the ways we’re working to empower people to take control of their health by providing access to convenient, affordable care in partnership with trusted providers.”
Amazon Clinic will offer users virtual care related to 20 common health conditions such as allergies, acne, and hair loss. The clinic would then guide users to purchase the products through Amazon’s interface or local stores and clinics. The service was launched months after the company shut down Amazon Care, its telehealth service for employees.
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Users can easily access the service. They first list their condition, choose a preferred provider, and then complete a short intake questionnaire. They can then message clinicians for input and receive a personalized treatment plan.
Amazon was recently hit by the long-term effects of the expected tech downturn. The company announced Monday that it was laying off 10,000 corporate and tech employees. The company also announced that it would allow users to purchase products from it through the payment app Venmo.