Amazon, the online retail giant, is opening new locations of One Medical, the subscription-based primary care provider that it acquired earlier this year. The move is part of Amazon’s strategy to enter the health care space and offer more convenient and affordable options to consumers.
One Medical’s hybrid model
One Medical is a San Francisco-based company that operates more than 100 clinics across 12 markets in the US. It offers a hybrid model of care that combines in-person and virtual visits, as well as 24/7 access to health professionals via an app. Patients pay a $199 annual membership fee to access a range of services, from common illnesses and chronic conditions to mental and sexual health needs. One Medical also accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare.
One Medical claims that its model can reduce health care costs and improve outcomes by providing personalized and preventive care, as well as reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits. It also says that it can improve patient satisfaction and loyalty by offering a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Amazon’s acquisition of One Medical
Amazon agreed to buy One Medical in July 2022 for $3.9 billion, in one of its biggest deals in the health care sector. The acquisition gave Amazon access to One Medical’s network of clinics, technology platform, and customer base. Amazon said that it wanted to make it easier for people to find, choose, afford, and engage with the health services and products they need.
Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy said that he was impressed by One Medical’s human-centered and technology-forward approach, and that he wanted to help them grow and serve more patients. He also said that he believed that One Medical’s concept could revolutionize primary care delivery in the future.
Amazon’s new locations of One Medical
Since the acquisition, Amazon has begun opening new locations of One Medical across the US. According to ABC News1, One Medical has just opened two locations in Connecticut, is planning to open a third office in San Francisco, and will open its first office in Milwaukee this fall. Three other locations have been announced in Connecticut, but they will not open until 2024.
The new locations are expected to attract more customers who are looking for a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional primary care providers. They are also expected to benefit Amazon’s employees, who can use One Medical as part of their health benefits package.
Amazon’s other health care ventures
One Medical is not the only health care venture that Amazon has pursued in recent years. In 2018, Amazon bought PillPack, an online pharmacy that delivers medications directly to customers’ homes. In 2019, Amazon launched Amazon Care, a virtual health care service for its employees that offers telemedicine, chat, and home visits. In 2020, Amazon introduced Amazon Halo, a wearable device that tracks health metrics such as body fat, sleep quality, and voice tone. In 2021, Amazon launched Amazon Pharmacy, an online drugstore that allows customers to order prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
Amazon’s health care initiatives reflect its ambition to disrupt the $3.8 trillion US health care industry, which is known for its high costs, inefficiencies, and fragmentation. By leveraging its technology, data, and customer base, Amazon hopes to offer more accessible, affordable, and personalized health care solutions to consumers.
