Amazon Pharmacy and hybrid primary care provider One Medical have launched a pilot program to expand Amazon's hybrid primary care offerings by giving One Medical providers the ability to request medication consultations for patients with complex medication regimens.

The focus of the pilot, which launched in the fourth quarter of 2023, has been on elderly patients who are managing multiple chronic conditions. Consultations include the review of medication interaction or de-prescribing medication.

Patients will also be able to reach out to healthcare professionals through a simple messaging platform, with the aim of making consultations between patients and providers quick and straightforward.

If the pilot program proves successful, Amazon may expand its services and develop the program into a more extensive and central outpatient care offering, which could then spur other providers to offer similar services. 

THE LARGER TREND

Amazon acquired One Medical in 2022 in an all-cash deal valued at nearly $4 billion.

Amazon has been positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving landscape of healthcare and technology.

Earlier this month, the company debuted its Health Condition Programs through a partnership with Omada Health.

The aim is to provide customers access to employer or insurance-based digital health benefits, targeting the management of chronic conditions like diabetes, prediabetes and high blood pressure.

Amazon has also delved into AI research with its AWS Generative AI Innovation Center and invested $20 million in a global cloud-based health equity initiative to promote community health services.