Amazon’s latest move into the healthcare arena will be focused on helping consumers manage their diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, according to an announcement from Arcadia Group, a brand consultancy firm partnered with the online retail giant.
The two companies have launched a new exclusive line of consumer-use medical devices, called the Choice brand, that has a clear focus on the digital. The plan is to kick off the brand with blood glucose and blood pressure monitors (which appear to already be available on Amazon) alongside accompanying apps. The apps have the ability to track a patient’s measurements and data.
For example, the Choice Blood Pressure Monitor can wirelessly connect to the app and give users graphs and the ability to share their reading. According to a statement from the brand, the product line will offer standard models and Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Why it matters
For years now the digital health community has been watching to see what Amazon’s next move is. This latest announcement positions the company to now provide its own product line of medical supplies over its online shopping platform.
What’s the trend
This comes just months after Amazon acquired virtual pharmacy PillPack, which positioned the company to expand its services to include prescription medication.
The biggest Amazon news last year involved a deal with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan, where the three major cooperations agreed to build a nonprofit healthcare company focused on tech with the goal of increasing user satisfaction and reducing costs.
In June the partners named Dr. Atul Gawande, surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and professor at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as CEO and announced that the nonprofit will be based in Boston.
On the record
“The Choice brand is all about accessible wellness. Consumers no longer need to drive to a store to stand in-line and purchase their medical devices and supplies,” Bob Guest, CEO of Arcadia Group, said in a statement. “Now, in the privacy of their home, consumers can review, compare and purchase the products of their choice. No insurance is required. Therefore, customers have the freedom of choice. They will no longer be told by their insurance company what brand they can buy. Choice is freedom.”