Amazon released its virtual care app Amazon Care back in September to give Seattle-based employees access to convenient care. Since its launch, Amazon has branded the app as a "first stop for healthcare," with employees using the app to receive services for minor colds, infections and more, reports CNBC.
While an Amazon spokesperson declined to comment to CNBC with further details about the Amazon Care app, an insider did show a glimpse into what it is like to use the app.
Here are six takeaways:
1. To use Amazon Care, users must have an Amazon corporate alias and work in the Seattle area. Amazon may begin to roll out the virtual care services to employees at its fulfillment centers in the future.
2. After employees download the app, they sign up with their Amazon login credentials. Amazon has teamed up with third-party medical group Oasis Medical to collect patient information. In a statement on the app, Amazon says "Neither the plan nor Oasis will receive financial or in-kind compensation or remuneration in exchange for using or disclosing [personal health information] as described above."
3. Users, who must be 18 years or older, are then asked if they are the primary insurance holder or a dependent. Amazon details how the individual can use the app instead of visiting a clinic in-person.
4. Amazon offers users the choice of chatting with a nurse via messenger or talking with a medical provider via video chat. After providing symptoms, the provider will follow up within minutes to figure out if a user needs to be seen in person.
5. If a provider deems a patient should be seen in-person, a practitioner will be dispatched to the patient. The app shows the patient the provider's location and estimated time of arrival.
6. Users can set up a profile with their preferred payment methods, care history and dependents. A care summary offers a potential diagnosis, with notes for the physician and treatment plan.