Amazon launches Amazon Care

Amazon has launched Amazon Care, a new pilot healthcare service offering available to its employees in and around the Seattle area, which includes both virtual and in-person care.

The virtual offering includes an in-app video visit with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse for advice, answers, diagnosis, treatment or referrals. Employees will have an option to see a health provider via a mobile app or website, and they can text a nurse on any health topic “in minutes.” If an employee needs follow-up care, Amazon Care can dispatch a “Mobile Care nurse” to conduct in-person exams, testing, or treatment. Amazon, which acquired online pharmacy PillPack last year, will also prescribe medications via Amazon Care within a few hours, or offer a way for employees to pick them up at a preferred pharmacy.

Recall: In 2018, Amazon, JP Morgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway announced a partnership to address healthcare needs for their US employees, with the aim of improving employee satisfaction and reducing costs.