Teladoc, Amazon announce partnership for telehealth through Echo devices

Teladoc Health announced a new partnership to provide voice-activated general medical care on Amazon’s Echo devices.

Customers using Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Show devices will be able to connect with Teladoc care providers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Teladoc on Alexa will launch via audio with video visits to follow soon, according to a news release from the Purchase, N.Y.-based company.

“Teladoc Health’s collaboration with Amazon is yet another step in breaking down barriers to healthcare access,” Donna Boyer, chief product officer for Teladoc Health, said in the news release. “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. We are meeting consumers where they are, to continue to deliver value and high-quality care to members.”

To get started, customers can say, “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor,” to their supported Echo device to connect with the Teladoc call center.

Customers will get a call back on their Echo devices from a Teladoc doctor for virtual visits related to nonemergency health needs, such as experiencing symptoms of a cold, flu, or allergies, according to the company.

The cost per visit can be as low as no cost with insurance or $75 without insurance.

“We’re excited to work with Teladoc Health to offer our customers an easy, hands-free way to connect with a doctor,” said Debra Chrapaty, vice president and chief operating officer for Amazon Alexa. “Whether they’re taking care of their sick child in the middle of the night or wanting to ask a doctor about allergy symptoms in between meetings during the day, we hope this experience will help customers find the convenient help they want from the comfort of their own home.”