Amazon Expands Healthcare Services with Pediatric Pay-Per-Visit Model
Amazon has expanded its One Medical service to include pay-per-visit healthcare for children ages 2 through 11, according to reports from the company. The new pediatric offering allows parents to access medical consultations without requiring insurance or membership, sources indicate.
Service Details and Pricing Structure
The service offers two consultation options, according to the announcement. Parents can choose message-only visits starting at $29 or video consultations with healthcare providers for $49. Analysts suggest this pricing model could make basic pediatric care more accessible to families without traditional insurance coverage.
Payment can be made using credit cards, Flexible Spending Accounts, or Health Savings Accounts, the report states. The service doesn’t require Amazon Prime membership or One Medical subscription, making it available to a broader range of customers through e-commerce platforms.
Covered Conditions and Treatment Scope
The service covers a somewhat limited range of common childhood conditions, including pink eye, lice, skin issues, and bug bites. Providers can also refill prescriptions for EpiPens and asthma medications, according to the service details.
Before using the service, parents are advised to verify their child’s symptoms fall within the treatable conditions list. The process requires completing an intake form to create a minor health profile within the Amazon Health system.
Amazon’s Healthcare Strategy Expansion
This move represents Amazon’s continued expansion into healthcare services following its $3.9 billion acquisition of One Medical in 2023. The acquisition was reportedly aimed at boosting Amazon’s presence in the competitive healthcare industry.
One Medical traditionally operates as a concierge service that accepts insurance and offers members video consultations and easy scheduling for in-office visits. The new pay-per-visit model for pediatric care appears to be an extension of this approach, according to industry analysts.
Post-Consultation Process and Medication Management
Following each consultation, providers will deliver a comprehensive treatment plan to parents. If medications are prescribed, they can be filled through Amazon Pharmacy or any other pharmacy of the family’s choice, providing flexibility in medication management.
The service requires parents to establish a medical history profile for their child before the first consultation. This digital health record system is part of Amazon’s broader healthcare infrastructure that the company has been developing.
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
Amazon’s expansion into pediatric care comes as other tech companies also explore healthcare opportunities. While Amazon focuses on accessible primary care, other sectors see different developments, including defense systems in Europe, automotive industry shifts, luxury car market challenges, and international trade tensions.
The company’s representative hasn’t provided additional comments beyond the initial announcement, leaving some industry observers watching for further details about the service’s expansion plans and potential limitations.
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