Amazon Expands AI-Powered Health Assistant to All US Customers

Amazon is broadening access to its Health AI assistant, initially available only to One Medical members, to most customers through the Amazon app and website. The rollout will occur over the coming weeks, aiming for full availability to all US Amazon customers. Amazon announced the expansion on Tuesday.

How Amazon Health AI Works

Amazon’s Health AI is designed to answer general healthcare questions and provide wellness guidance based on a user’s health history, medications, and existing health conditions. Users can grant access to their medical records for a more personalized experience. The assistant can also facilitate prescription refills through Amazon Pharmacy and connect users with One Medical doctors via video consultations, in-person appointments, or messaging.

AI in Healthcare: A Growing Trend

Amazon’s Health AI joins a growing field of AI-powered health assistants. OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Health in January, offering similar capabilities such as answering health questions, interpreting lab results, and integrating with Apple Health and medical records (with user permission). Anthropic has also launched Claude for Healthcare, which connects to Apple Health and assists with healthcare tasks like understanding medical bills. Healthcare Dive reports that Apple is also rumored to be developing its own AI health coach or assistant.

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Safety

Recognizing concerns about the potential for misinformation from chatbots in sensitive areas like healthcare, Amazon emphasizes that Health AI is HIPAA-compliant and intended for medical support only, not as a replacement for a healthcare provider. Amazon states it conducts ongoing evaluations and automated testing to monitor the quality and safety of responses, continuously improving the system based on clinical reviews. The company also notes that Health AI will direct users to a human provider if it encounters uncertainty in clinical recommendations.

Development and Testing

Health AI was co-developed with clinical leadership from One Medical. Amazon tested the assistant’s performance across thousands of simulated conversations, evaluating clinical safety, emergency response, and compliance. Thousands of additional scenarios covering common conditions and high-risk presentations were also tested using criteria established by One Medical providers.

Cost and Membership Options

Amazon Prime members can take advantage of a free introductory offer, receiving five free direct-message care consultations with a One Medical provider. These services can be shared with family members who have Amazon Family and either Prime for Young Adults or Prime Access. Beyond the initial five visits, telehealth sessions cost $29 each. Alternatively, a One Medical membership is available for $99 per year, with the option to add up to five family members for $66 per year each. Fierce Healthcare provides additional details on the launch.