Amazon, the mecca for online shopping, took one more step into health care this week when it announced a discounted membership to One Medical for its Prime members.
One Medical is a company that offers telemedicine services but also has traditional doctors’ offices across the US and referral services for medical procedures its offices can’t take care of. This year, Amazon acquired One Medical in a move to expand its presence in wellness, medicine and primary care.
The new One Medical benefit gives Prime members the option of paying an extra $9 per month or $99 annually for the service’s medical care, a $100 discount from One Medical’s standard rate. (A Prime membership costs $15 per month, or $139 per year.) Virtual care services through One Medical will be completely free with this membership — regardless of insurance status. The price of in-office visits, which are possible in the smattering of major cities where One Medical has offices, or any subsequent care needed, will depend on the Prime member’s insurance.
But with a world full of medical and telemedicine companies, an area that ballooned during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve got options. Before you use your Prime membership to sign up for One Medical, here’s what to know about it.
What is One Medical, and what does it treat?
One Medical is one of many companies offering health care services in a “hybrid” model. That is, it has virtual care services where you can video chat with a provider or message them, plus options for some brick and mortar services if you need to be seen at a clinic.
The 24/7 chat option One Medical advertises is a new form of the “concierge” or “membership” model of health care, which is supposed to give patients who are able and willing to pay an extra fee more direct access to their doctor. Kind of like a house call for the 21st century.
Like other telemedicine companies, One Medical won’t be able to give complex diagnoses by way of its app or through the free virtual care service — and you’ll need to be referred out for some in-clinic services. According to One Medical, some of the things it can diagnose or treat virtually (coming at no additional cost for members) are eye problems; some common viruses, like flu; urinary tract infections; minor cuts; some skin problems; and other non-life-threatening or nonserious health problems. Another app feature lets you refill your prescriptions.
For people without Amazon Prime, the annual fee is $199. There’s also a financial assistance program for people who meet the criteria, which would require you to send over tax information and pay stubs.
One Medical stores your health record on your app. This is meant to make it easier for you to move from virtual care to a doctor, or bring your record with you to an actual care location for additional work.