Amazon’s Newest Offering Is Taking It A Step Too Far
Listen I LOVE Amazon. I’ve spent way more money on who knows what than I ever want to know. The convenience is unmatched for so many things. And literally the products I didn’t even know existed that I can get through them? Game changers. But their newest offering has me scratching my head and saying “Who asked for that”? I received an email today about medical care from the company. Yes, Amazon doctors.
And I just can’t be the only one who thought “Umm no…” immediately after hearing this. But it’s a real thing apparently.
Upon clicking the “learn more” button in the email I received from Prime, I learned a few things. First, this service will run you an additional $9 a month on top of a Prime membership. That $9 (or $99 a year if you choose to pay upfront).
That fee includes “personal services that enhance your healthcare experience, tools to facilitate access to healthcare services, and certain on-demand telehealth services that are typically not covered by or billed to insurance.”
It is through a company called One Medical. Through this subscription platform, you are able to communicate easily with your care team, access your health records, request refills of prescriptions, book office visits (where available) or virtual visits, and access “urgent video chats”.
And I guess if it already integrates with your health care provider, maybe there is a benefit?
I understand there is a demand for telehealth. And you know what if a pharmacy wants to offer it, or medical providers go for it? I’d almost always prefer not having to physically go to a doctor.
But like I said to a friend this morning, “Not everything needs to be a one-stop shop” and it’s “ok to specialize”. In fact, specialization is good. I’m sure Amazon doctors are nice people. And you know what I bet Amazon is paying them well (why else would someone who went to med school accept that job?).
One Medical is a primary care network that was purchased by Amazon a few years ago. I get looking for opportunities for growth, but Amazon is a multi-billion dollar corporation. Maybe just let it go? I don’t know perhaps others see it differently (and if you do I’d love to hear your opinion). But Amazon doctors? Not for me.
If you are interested in learning more here is a link to the website.
2024 North Carolina Hospital Safety Grades
A's
- Atrium Health Union (600 Hospital Dr, Monroe)
- Caromont Regional Medical Center (2525 Court Dr, Gastonia)
- Catawba Valley Medical Center (810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory)
- FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Richmond (925 Long Drive, Rockingham)
- Iredell Memorial Hospital (557 Brookdale Drive, Statesville)
- Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center (10030 Gilead Rd, Huntersville)
- Novant Health Matthews Medical Center (1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews)
- Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center (8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte)
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte)
- Novant Health Rowan Medical Center (612 Mocksville Avenue, Salisbury)
B's
- Atrium Health- Mercy (2001 Vail Ave, Charlotte)
- Atrium Health Cabarrus (920 Church Street, Concord)
- Atrium Health Cleveland (201 East Grover Street, Shelby)
- Atrium Health Lincoln (433 McAlister Rd, Lincolnton)
- Atrium Health Pineville (10628 Park Rd, Charlotte)
- Carolinas Medical Center (1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte)
- Frye Regional Medical Center (420 N Center St, Hickory)
- Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville)
- MUSC Health- Lancaster Medical Center (800 W. Meeting Street, Lancaster, SC)
C's
- Atrium Health University City (8800 N Tryon Street, Charlotte)
D's
- Piedmont Medical Center (222 S. Herlong Ave, Rock Hill)
