Amazon takes another shot at health care, this one a virtual care service that costs $9 per month

Amazon has launched a virtual care service for Prime members, priced at $9 a month or $99 a year, following its acquisition of One Medical. This service aims to provide convenient access to healthcare providers online, marking Amazon's further expansion into the healthcare sector.

The service offers 24/7 virtual access to healthcare providers through the Prime One Medical program, including video chats and options for in-person visits at One Medical locations. While virtual consultations are covered by the membership fee, in-person visits incur additional charges, payable out-of-pocket or via insurance.

Despite its convenience, Amazon's virtual care service raises concerns about care fragmentation and the continuity of patient health tracking. The service's reliance on virtual consultations could lead to a disconnect in comprehensive care, especially if patients' regular doctors are not informed about these virtual interactions.