Amazon is entering the New Jersey healthcare market with Amazon One Medical in a partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest health network in the state. The new office in Edgewater Towne Center at 905 River Rd is the first of three NJ locations to open this year, with Jersey City and Englewood opening soon.
As a hybrid virtual and in-person primary care service, One Medical will employ technology to simplify the experience and eliminate many of the challenges of traditional doctor’s offices. Patients can book same-day and next-day appointments, renew prescriptions, access medical records and communicate with the care team online. They offer virtual visits, saving a trip to the doctor’s office. An in-app “Treat Me Now” feature allows members to get rapid care for common medical issues.
One Medical will provide longer appointment times so patients can get all their questions answered and create a stronger, more personal connection with the doctor. Primary care will also be comprehensive, with doctors addressing immediate concerns, providing preventative care, and managing chronic conditions. The partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health will create a seamless medical experience and include referrals to Hackensack’s network of hospitals, specialists, and facilities.
“Amazon One Medical is a health care service that provides primary care through both in-person and virtual appointments,” said Evelyn Chu, MD, District Medical Director for Amazon One Medical in New Jersey. “Members have been asking us to open up offices in New Jersey for some time, and we are thrilled to start caring for this community in-person and via our 24/7 virtual care, starting with our Edgewater location in collaboration with Hackensack Meridian Health, making it easier for New Jerseyans to improve their health and wellbeing.”
For those interested in Amazon One Medical, memberships can be added at health.amazon.com/prime as a benefit for Amazon Prime members, or purchased at OneMedical.com. The cost is $9/month or $99/year. Membership covers access to Amazon One Medical’s on-demand virtual care services at no extra cost. Most major insurance plans are accepted.
With this expansion, Amazon continues its push into the healthcare sector, adding to its existing Amazon Pharmacy service, which delivers prescription medications straight to customers’ doors. By integrating primary care, virtual health services, and prescription fulfillment under its vast corporate umbrella, Amazon is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for healthcare – offering convenience but also raising concerns about the growing influence of big tech in medicine.
While One Medical promises a streamlined experience, Amazon’s deeper involvement in healthcare raises inevitable questions about data privacy and corporate consolidation. The company already plays a dominant role in consumers’ shopping habits, entertainment choices, and smart home devices – now, it’s seeking access to some of the most sensitive personal data of all: our medical records. As Amazon blurs the lines between commerce and care, the question remains – how much control should one company have over both our spending habits and our personal well-being?
