Unwell? Amazon Alexa Can Now Connect You Directly To A Doctor

If you’re unable to get yourself down to a clinic the next time you feel unwell, Amazon Alexa will be able to bring a doctor directly to you.

The company has teamed up with telemedicine provider Teladoc Health to create a voice-activated virtual program that allows users to get medical attention without even having to pick up a phone.

It’s important to note that the service isn’t intended for emergencies, but it will be available 24/7 on all Amazon Echo devices.

“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,” said Donna Boyer, Chief Product Officer at Teladoc Health.

According to the Associated Press, users simply have to tell Alexa they wish to speak to a doctor, and a telehealth professional will ring back on the device once they’re available.

At the moment, the calls will be audio-only, though Amazon has plans to expand the service to video calls soon.

This move marks Amazon’s continued push into the health sector, beginning with its launch of Amazon Care program in 2019, which offers telemedicine or in-person doctor’s visits to customers.

Furthermore, the firm’s virtual assistant has been a staple in patient rooms across the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), standing in for nurses to answer any medical queries with advice from the official website.

As per Forbes, the telehealth consultations on Echo devices will cost US$75, though they could go as low as US$0 depending on the user’s insurance.

[via AP News and Forbes, cover image via Seemitch | Dreamstime.com]