Global technology and e-commerce giant Amazon and telemedicine company Teladoc announced a landmark new initiative: providing virtual care through Amazon Alexa devices.

Figure 1: Alexa delivers doctor consultation.

Figure 1 shows that the Amazon customers can now connect with healthcare providers through Echo devices, the companies announced last month. The service is provided by telemedicine company Teladoc, one of the largest telemedicine companies in the United States.

Customers can connect with Teladoc by saying “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor.” They’ll get a call back on their device from a Teladoc doctor. The service is only for non-emergency visits, like allergies or flu symptoms. At this point, visits are audio-only, but video visits are “coming soon”.[1]

This is a huge milestone for both companies. Teladoc went public in a deal worth nearly $157 million dollars in 2015, right when digital health and telehealth were becoming more prominent concepts in care delivery.

However, Teladoc found its true stride during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when people worldwide were forced into isolation and quarantine—highlighting the value of virtual care services. Indeed, the concept has significant promise in solving many modern-day healthcare problems.[2]

Accordingly, Amazon has continued to take steps in healthcare. With the launch of Amazon Care, as well as its robust pharmaceutical services, the company is slowly but surely developing an entire ecosystem that is likely to soon become a major way of providing care.

Now, with this new partnership, both companies are significantly increasing their reach. With 100 million Alexa devices currently in use, the potential value of this partnership is endless. It provides consumers with a convenient, easy and creative way to get their health services in their homes.[3]

References:

1. https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/28/22950636/amazon-alexa-telehealth-teladoc-echo
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/saibala/2022/03/23/amazons-new-partnership-with-teladoc-is-a-huge-milestone-for-telemedicine/?sh=4ac6999d7f18
3. https://worldface.uk/amazons-new-partnership-with-teladoc-is-a-huge-milestone-for-telemedicine/

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), Amazon’s New Partnership with Teladoc. AnaTechMax, pp. 35