Amazon and 'Teladoc,' the virtual healthcare company, have announced a new partnership that will enable virtual telehealth visits through Amazon Alexa. Amazon Echo device owners will be able to ask their Alexa to communicate with a doctor, after which the device will connect the user to a Teladoc healthcare provider. Currently, this service is only available through Alexa on Echo devices, and the conversations are only available in audio form. As for video calls and integrations with other Alexa-enabled devices, Amazon stated these are coming soon.
This service is intended for use in non-critical situations where users require advice on home care or advisory on when to go to an in-person doctor. Examples of these situations are individuals experiencing non-critical symptoms that worry them, such as a prolonged cough or headache. As for the cost of these visits, notwithstanding an insurance plan, users will be charged $75 USD per meeting.
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Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Virtual Telehealth
- There is a growing trend of virtual telehealth visits and consultations with healthcare providers offered through smart assistant devices.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- NLP technology is enhancing the health care industry by making it easier for patients to communicate with doctors through smart speakers.
- Digital Health Coaching
- Digital health coaching through smart speaker devices is a trend in the health care industry that provides guidance and education to patients seeking to improve their health and well-being.
Where This Applies
- Healthcare Industry
- The healthcare industry can leverage virtual telehealth to improve access to care and reduce healthcare costs for patients.
- Technology Industry
- The technology industry can invest in the development of NLP technology to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers through smart speakers.
- Insurance Industry
- The insurance industry can partner with virtual telehealth providers to offer affordable and accessible healthcare options to their members through smart assistant devices.
