Hustler Words – Amazon One Medical, the primary care provider under the retail giant’s umbrella since its 2022 acquisition, is now extending its virtual healthcare reach to children aged 2 to 11. Unveiled on Thursday, the new service offers pay-per-visit options, with message-based consultations starting at $29 and video appointments priced at $49.
This accessible healthcare solution bypasses the need for insurance or a One Medical membership, providing a convenient avenue for addressing common childhood ailments. The service caters to conditions such as pink eye, lice infestations, and a spectrum of over ten skin issues, encompassing eczema, insect bites, contact dermatitis, and fungal rashes. Furthermore, it facilitates the renewal of prescriptions for EpiPens and asthma medications.
Following the introduction of a similar pay-per-visit virtual healthcare service for adults in 2024, this expansion underscores Amazon’s commitment to broadening its healthcare footprint.
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"This service is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship families have with their pediatrician," explained Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, family physician and national medical director for Amazon One Medical, in a press statement. "It serves as a practical solution for parents facing time-sensitive concerns, particularly those without immediate access through a One Medical membership."
This move occurs amidst a period of retrenchment for other major players in the retail health sector, with companies like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart scaling back their healthcare service offerings.
Just last week, Amazon introduced prescription vending machines at its One Medical clinics, beginning in Los Angeles. These kiosks dispense a variety of commonly prescribed medications, including antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure treatments.
The introduction of these kiosks poses a potential disruption to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies, which are already grappling with challenges. Recent closures include Rite Aid shuttering its remaining stores, CVS closing over 1,000 locations since 2021, and Walgreens closing 500 stores in the past year.
The launch of this new virtual service for children is the latest in Amazon’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in the healthcare industry. In 2018, Amazon acquired online pharmacy PillPack for $750 million, followed by the launch of Amazon Pharmacy in 2020. Two years later, the company acquired One Medical for $3.9 billion.
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