Amazon Tries to Compensate Layoffs with Virtual Healthcare Clinic
Amazon on Tuesday announced its newly launched platform, Amazon clinic to compensate for layoff
This November was really terrifying for the tech employees as most of the giant tech such as Twitter, Meta, and salesforce who are leading the market announced massive layoffs including Amazon layoffs which affected a huge number of people. But amidst of this Amazon came forward with a ray of hope with its virtual healthcare platform.
Amazon.com Inc on Tuesday announced its newly launched platform, Amazon clinic. It is basically a virtual healthcare clinic where users can connect with healthcare providers to help treat common ailments like allergies and skin conditions. Amazon has for years sought to strengthen its presence in healthcare, where it is a small-scale player. Amazon bought the online pharmacy PillPack in 2018, underpinning a prescription delivery and price-comparison site it launched later as Amazon Pharmacy, which allows users to buy prescription drugs online easily. Amazon revealed its new service would operate in 32 states, where customers who seek treatment, will be connected to healthcare providers. The new service, Amazon clinic does not include health insurance and pricing will vary depending on providers, Amazon said.
The online retailer first piloted virtual care visits for its own staff in Seattle in 2019 before providing services to other employers under the Amazon Care brand, which Amazon is now planning to close down by the end of this year. The company is also waiting to close its US$3.49 billion deal to buy One Medical, as it seeks to expand its virtual healthcare presence and add brick-and-mortar doctors’ offices for the first time. Shares in Amazon were up about 1% in trading before the bell.
Amazon Clinic can be used with simple steps. To get started, customers has to select their condition, then choose their preferred provider from a list of licensed and qualified telehealth providers. Next, they go through a short intake questionnaire.
Customers and clinicians then directly connect through a secure message-based portal, giving customers the flexibility to message their clinician when it is most convenient for them—anytime, anywhere.
After the message-based consultation, the clinician will send a personalized treatment plan via the portal, including any necessary prescriptions to the customer’s preferred pharmacy.
Although, a Virtual healthcare clinic is not helpful for every problem and if it may be the case, they will let you know upfront before you connect with a provider. Their goal is to make sure you get the care that’s right for you.
