Amazon has expanded its virtual healthcare program to the entire country, and is now available to anyone in the US with an internet connection.
The program, which launched in November in limited markets, allows you to get access to a doctor via your computer to address minor or common maladies.
The service could offer people an alternative for people who don’t want to wait for an appointment with their doctor – which could take days – or physically walk into an urgent care center. It’s just the latest service offered by Amazon, which offers everything from music to video and, of course, thousands of products in its online store.
Amazon Clinic is open to people between 18 to 64 with a valid photo ID. The service adheres to government HIPAA standards to ensure your privacy will be protected. You can book an appointment with an Amazon Clinic physician and see your options before confirming. Amazon Clinic shows you the cost upfront so there won’t be any surprise fees.
A video appointment costs $74 with a 1 hour wait time, or $36 for a message only appointment with a 4 hour response estimate. To fill a prescription, either order it through Amazon for delivery or pick it up from your local pharmacy.
Amazon Clinic covers a limited scope of medical problems at the moment. While not a complete replacement for in-person care, you can schedule appointments for seasonal allergies and sinus infections or refill birth control or asthma medication.
Once you’ve selected a doctor and made an appointment, you’ll be connected with a licensed physician via video call or phone, depending on your state’s laws. You don’t need to book an appointment in advance and can view the expected wait time in advance. Appointment times and costs vary depending on the condition.
The clinic doesn’t take insurance. But it does provide a less expensive way to receive care. If you do have insurance, you can submit a receipt to your insurer for reimbursement.
It can refill some prescriptions, though the selection is limited so far and there are restrictions. For instance, if you’ve been prescribed an epi-pen before, Amazon Clinic can refill your prescription for a generic EpiPen or AUVI-q.
The clinic offers minor care treatments, so if you’re experiencing an emergency or more serious problem seek an in-person clinic.