Amazon has launched a new telehealth service for children, expanding its One Medical Pay-per-visit platform to offer virtual care for kids ages 2 to 11. The service provides affordable, on-demand access to board-certified family care providers for common childhood conditions, with no insurance or membership required.
Affordable, On-Demand Pediatric Care
Parents can now connect with licensed clinicians for their children through Amazon’s One Medical Pay-per-visit service. Message-based consultations start at $29, while video visits cost $49. The platform treats a range of common issues, including pink eye, lice, eczema, bug bites, contact dermatitis, fungal rashes, and more. It also allows for renewals of EpiPen and asthma medications. Each visit includes a personalized treatment plan and, if needed, prescriptions that can be filled through Amazon Pharmacy or any pharmacy of the family’s choice.
Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, national medical director for Amazon One Medical, clarified that the new telehealth service is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship families have with their child’s pediatrician. She described it as a practical solution for parents who need quick medical advice during those “in-between” moments when their child’s symptoms don’t require a complete office visit.
No Insurance or Membership Needed
Amazon’s new pediatric telehealth service does not require insurance, a Prime membership, or a One Medical membership. Families can pay per visit using a credit card, Flexible Spending Account, or Health Savings Account. This approach aims to provide a convenient alternative for parents who need quick medical guidance but want to avoid urgent care waiting rooms or insurance hassles. The service is available 24/7, offering flexibility for busy families.
“As a parent, I am all too familiar with taking a child who doesn’t feel well to urgent care and waiting over an hour, only to spend ten minutes with a clinician,” said Bergen Elsa, general manager for Amazon One Medical Pay-per-visit. “This service makes it easier for families to connect with trusted family care providers, day or night, saving time and money while providing peace of mind and helping kids feel better sooner.”
Integration with Amazon Pharmacy
The telehealth expansion is closely integrated with Amazon Pharmacy, which offers transparent pricing, 24/7 pharmacist support, and free nationwide delivery of medications, including same-day delivery in select cities. This integration creates a seamless healthcare experience, keeping families within Amazon’s ecosystem from consultation to prescription fulfillment.
Lawsuit After Death of Patient
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against one of Amazon One Medical’s California clinics by the family of a 45-year-old biotech worker. The suit alleges that negligent care during a virtual consultation led to his death. According to the complaint, the patient reported severe symptoms, including shortness of breath and coughing up blood, but was advised to purchase an inhaler. He collapsed and died hours later. The lawsuit claims the clinic lacked adequately trained staff and failed to order appropriate testing, raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of telemedicine in urgent medical situations.
What Do the Critics Say?
Critics of Amazon One Medical’s pediatric services point to several concerns, including limited coverage for serious conditions, lack of nationwide in-person clinics, and unclear pricing for virtual visits. Some parents report frustration with strict treatment guidelines, such as not prescribing antibiotics unless symptoms persist for a set number of days, and say the service sometimes offers advice that could be found online rather than personalized care.
