Amazon announced that its Amazon Clinic virtual medical clinic is now able to treat patients suffering from coughs, colds or flu.
Customers can now select the new Cough, Cold & Flu option in the Amazon Clinic treatment search menu on their computers or mobile phones to view a list of available telehealth providers and compare prices and delivery times.
Once users fill out an intake form detailing current symptoms and basic medical history, patients can communicate with a licensed physician via a secure messaging portal or video call.
The doctor will then suggest treatment, which may include a prescription that can be filled through Amazon Pharmacy or other pharmacies.
“For diseases such as influenza, it is important to receive treatment quickly after symptoms appear,” the doctor said. Nora Ayogu, MD, CEO of Amazon Clinic, said in a blog post. “By working with a provider who understands the situation, clients can explore options with timely communication and get the right care in minutes or hours rather than days or weeks.
In November 2022, Amazon launched Health Clinics to connect users with healthcare providers. Amazon Clinic does not provide healthcare services itself, but rather provides a platform that connects telemedicine partners and users.
Amazon announced in August that the service would be available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It was available. Amazon Clinic provides care for more than 35 common health conditions, including asthma, eczema, and acid reflux.
Amazon has been trying to get into the healthcare space for years. Last year, the e-commerce giant launched a telemedicine service called Amazon Care but later discontinued it.
Earlier this year, Amazon completed its acquisition of healthcare company OneMedical for $3.9 billion. The company established Amazon Pharmacy after its acquisition of PillPack.
In 2018, the company formed a joint venture with JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway to provide health care to its employees and appointed a senior physician to lead it, but the venture was canceled in 2021.