What is “Amazon Clinic” and how does it work?

Everyone knows how challenging it can be to get a doctor’s appointment. With walk-in clinics so busy, Amazon Clinic has announced its own solution to meeting patients’ healthcare needs. 

The company has now launched a  24/7 service that will be accessible to customers for a range of conditions, and especially for those g grappling with cough, cold, or flu symptoms. 

The process is straightforward – users simply choose their symptoms from the “Find a treatment” list on Amazon Clinic via Amazon.com or the mobile app. 

Subsequently, they can peruse available telehealth providers, compare prices and response times, and select one that works for their schedule and budget.

Through a secure messaging portal or scheduled video visit, patients connect with licensed clinicians, bypassing the need for an appointment or insurance. 

A clinician then creates a treatment plan, potentially involving a prescription that can be fulfilled by Amazon Pharmacy, the company’s online pharmacy offering free delivery of prescription medications across all 50 states and Washington D.C.

The Clinic’s services extend beyond the initial interaction. Amazon customers can get assistance for 14 days post-treatment plan reception. This includes unlimited messaging with the clinician for inquiries about treatment or adjustments to medication.

Amazon also encourages users to make an informed decision about whether they require professional assistance by providing detailed resource pages for various conditions, covering symptoms, testing, and treatment options.

Amazon Clinic presents two primary options for clinician consultations – video chat and text messaging. Prices range from $35 for text consultations to $74 for video consultations, irrespective of the symptoms examined, such as COVID-19, athlete’s foot, migraines, and high blood pressure.

The availability of service providers depends on location, with certain states offering both video and text chat options, while others might be limited. Wait times, though virtual, vary. The exact times can fluctuate based on the time of day and increasing service demand.

Amazon Clinic visits are not covered by insurance, and the associated costs do not include medication expenses

In a statement, Dr. Nworah Ayogu, chief medical officer and general manager of Amazon Clinic noted: “With conditions like the flu, getting treatment quickly after the onset of symptoms really matters. 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.”