Amazon is broadening access to its Health AI virtual assistant, making it available to most US customers on its app and website. Previously limited to One Medical members, the tool will roll out over the next few weeks to all US Amazon users. It offers answers to health questions and wellness guidance based on user health details.
Amazon announced on Tuesday the expansion of its Health AI, a virtual assistant designed to assist with healthcare queries. Initially exclusive to One Medical members, the feature is now extending to most customers via the Amazon app and website, with a full rollout to all US Amazon users planned over the coming weeks.
Health AI responds to general healthcare questions and delivers wellness advice tailored to a user's health history, medications, and conditions. Users can enhance personalization by granting access to their medical records. Additional capabilities include refilling prescriptions through Amazon Pharmacy and facilitating connections to One Medical providers for video, in-person, or message-based appointments.
An Amazon spokesperson stated, "We run ongoing evaluations and automated testing to monitor the quality and safety of responses, and we continuously improve the system based on clinical review findings." The tool, co-developed with One Medical clinical leadership, underwent pre-launch evaluation across thousands of synthetically generated conversations, assessing clinical safety, emergency response, and compliance. Amazon also tested thousands of scenarios for common conditions and high-risk cases using rubrics from One Medical providers.
Health AI is HIPAA-compliant and positioned as support rather than a replacement for professional care. It directs users to human providers when uncertain and enables connections to specialists for needed treatments. Example queries include explaining cholesterol results or identifying safe allergy medications with current prescriptions.
A correction notes that access is open to all, regardless of Prime membership. Prime members receive a free introductory offer for five direct-message consultations with One Medical providers, shareable with family under certain plans. Subsequent telehealth sessions cost $29 each, or users can opt for a $99 annual One Medical membership, adding $66 per year for up to five family members.
Similar tools exist, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT Health launched in January and Anthropic's Claude for Healthcare. Concerns persist about AI chatbots providing health advice, including risks of misinformation or hallucinations, so experts recommend verifying responses with healthcare providers and avoiding sensitive data input.
