Amazon disclosed that Amazon Clinic, its online healthcare platform, is prepared to offer treatments for common illnesses such as colds, coughs, and the flu to deliver immediate and affordable medical services.
Customers can now utilize this service by opting for the "Cough, Cold, and Flu" choice under the "Find a Treatment" menu accessible on Amazon Clinic's desktop and smartphone apps. It also comprises an easy-to-navigate interface where individuals can review a roster of remote health providers, allowing patients to assess costs and responsiveness to secure quality health care.
To avail of the Amazon Clinic service, patients must fill out a form cataloging their prevailing symptoms and primary health background. Then they will be linked with an authorized clinician via a safe messaging gateway or video consultation. The practitioner will assess their condition and give treatment suggestions that may imply prescription medication that can be effortlessly ordered from either Amazon Pharmacy or another preferred pharmacy.
Dr. Nworah Ayogu, Chief Medical Officer and General Manager of Amazon Clinic underscored the significance of quick action in addressing conditions like the flu. "By quickly connecting with a provider who understands their condition, customers can explore options for relief and get the care that's right for them in a matter of minutes or hours, not days or weeks," he noted, as quoted by TechCrunch.
Virginia Mason, a hospital network in the Seattle area, teamed up with Amazon to increase the efficiency of COVID-19 vaccinations by utilizing the Amazon Meeting Center in downtown Seattle, Washington on January 24, 2021.
Amazon's Ongoing Growth in the Healthcare Sector
November 2022 saw the introduction of Amazon Clinic, with the prime task of linking users to wellness professionals. Notably, the clinic itself does not administer healthcare directly but functions as a bridge between users and telehealth partners.
Read Also: Loneliness Epidemic: 1 in 4 Adults Struggle with Social Isolation, Study Finds
Last August, Amazon widened its range by making Amazon Clinic accessible throughout all 50 states plus Washington, DC. The service accommodates over 35 common health issues, from allergies, heartburn, and eczema to conjunctivitis.
The Amazon Clinic's expansion indicates Amazon's enduring endeavors to leave a significant imprint on the healthcare industry. Back in 2020, following its purchase of PillPack in 2018, the technological powerhouse spawned its digital drugstore-Amazon Pharmacy. Earlier this year, the tech giant acquired One Medical, a healthcare institution, in a deal valued at $3.9 billion, according to CNBC.
Moreover, Amazon has been taking steady steps into the healthcare market with past ventures such as Amazon Care, its telehealth service, and an incubator developed with Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan aimed at enhancing health programs for employers-though both these efforts have since been dissolved.
US Records High Number of Flu-Related Deaths
Notably, the announcement of Amazon Clinic's expansion of services coincides with the United States flu season—a period where prompt access to medical help is vital.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported about 20,000 flu-related deaths for the 2019-2020 flu season; however, accurate numbers vary as most states do not necessitate reporting flu statistics, as reported by Health.
During 2020-2021, when COVID-19 was at its peak, recorded flu cases were remarkably fewer, with only 748 flu-associated deaths as per CDC data.
Related Article: Get Your Free COVID-19 Test Kits in Minutes: Your Ultimate Guide to Accessing Tests, Vaccines, Treatments!
