Amazon launches message-based virtual clinic for allergies
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The e-commerce giant launched a virtual clinic on Tuesday to treat common health conditions, including allergies, acne, and hair loss.

According to Dr. Nworah Ayogu, the chief medical officer and general manager of the new service, Amazon Clinic is a “message-based virtual care” option that connects “customers with affordable virtual care options when and where they need them.”

According to Ayogu, the Amazon Clinic (AMZN) offers treatments for more than 20 common health conditions, and it is currently available in 32 states.

Amazon has gradually expanded its footprint in health care over the past few years. By 2019, it had rebranded PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy from PillPack, which it acquired in 2018. After that, Amazon Pharmacy was launched in 2020. One Medical, a membership-based primary care service, was acquired by Amazon for $3.9 billion earlier this year.

Amazon is expanding its reach into every corner of customers’ lives, including grocery stores, video streaming, and home devices. A number of these efforts have been criticized by activists and lawmakers.

According to Ayogu, Amazon Clinic users simply choose their condition, then select their preferred provider from a list of licensed and qualified telehealth providers. After completing a questionnaire, customers connect with doctors through a message-based portal. After an initial chat, the medical professional will send a treatment plan and any prescriptions to the user’s preferred pharmacy.

It is not possible to use Amazon Clinic’s services with insurance at this time, however it is eligible for FSA and HSA reimbursements. Customers will be able to see how much a consultation will cost before seeking treatment, according to the company. According to Ayogu’s blog post, providers set prices, not Amazon Clinic, and in many cases, “the cost of care is equivalent or less than the average copay.”