Teladoc medical virtual care to be accessible via Amazon Alexa
Amazon’s healthcare offerings are about to reach new heights.
Customers will be able to access voice-activated medical virtual care on Echo devices, thanks to a partnership by Teladoc Health and Amazon Alexa.
Customers will now be able to connect with a Teladoc care provider 24/7 from supported Echo devices, such as Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Show, for general medical needs. Teladoc on Alexa will initially launch via audio with video visits coming soon, the company said.
[Read more: Amazon to widen Amazon Care service availability]
“Teladoc Health’s collaboration with Amazon is yet another step in breaking down barriers to healthcare access,” Donna Boyer, chief product officer at Teladoc Health said. “By introducing and integrating our virtual first care experience with Echo devices, we are providing an innovative and convenient way for users to connect with a doctor. We are meeting consumers where they are, to continue to deliver value and high-quality care to members.”
To get started, customers can say, “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor,” to their supported Echo device to get connected with the Teladoc call center.
Customers will then get a call back on their Echo devices from a Teladoc doctor for virtual visits related to non-emergency health needs, such as experiencing symptoms of a cold, flu or allergies. The cost per visit can be as low as $0 per visit with insurance or $75 without insurance, the company said.
[Read more: Amazon Care telehealth service goes nationwide]
“We’re excited to work with Teladoc Health to offer our customers an easy, hands-free way to connect with a doctor,” Debra Chrapaty, Amazon Alexa vice president and chief operating officer said. “Whether they’re taking care of their sick child in the middle of the night or wanting to ask a doctor about allergy symptoms in between meetings during the day, we hope this experience will help customers find the convenient help they want from the comfort of their own home.”