Amazon’s Newest Offering Is Taking It A Step Too Far

Listen I LOVE Amazon. I've spent way more money on who knows what than I ever want to know. The convenience is unmatched for so many things. And literally the products I didn't even know existed that I can get through them? Game changers. But their newest offering has me scratching my head and saying "Who asked for that"? I received an email today about medical care from the company. Yes, Amazon doctors.

And I just can't be the only one who thought "Umm no..." immediately after hearing this. But it's a real thing apparently.

Upon clicking the "learn more" button in the email I received from Prime, I learned a few things. First, this service will run you an additional $9 a month on top of a Prime membership. That $9 (or $99 a year if you choose to pay upfront).

That fee includes "personal services that enhance your healthcare experience, tools to facilitate access to healthcare services, and certain on-demand telehealth services that are typically not covered by or billed to insurance."

It is through a company called One Medical. Through this subscription platform, you are able to communicate easily with your care team, access your health records, request refills of prescriptions, book office visits (where available) or virtual visits, and access "urgent video chats".

And I guess if it already integrates with your health care provider, maybe there is a benefit?

I understand there is a demand for telehealth. And you know what if a pharmacy wants to offer it, or medical providers go for it? I'd almost always prefer not having to physically go to a doctor.

But like I said to a friend this morning, "Not everything needs to be a one-stop shop" and it's "ok to specialize". In fact, specialization is good. I'm sure Amazon doctors are nice people. And you know what I bet Amazon is paying them well (why else would someone who went to med school accept that job?).

One Medical is a primary care network that was purchased by Amazon a few years ago. I get looking for opportunities for growth, but Amazon is a multi-billion dollar corporation. Maybe just let it go? I don't know perhaps others see it differently (and if you do I'd love to hear your opinion). But Amazon doctors? Not for me.

If you are interested in learning more here is a link to the website.

No one likes going to the hospital. Many times you don't plan on it either. But when you need to go, you want the absolute best care you can receive. And you certainly want that experience to be safe. Which is where North Carolina Hospital Safety Grades come in.

That's why The LeapFrog Group has made it the company's mission to help you make the best decisions regarding your health care. For over 20 years  they have "collected, analyzed, and published hospital data on safety and quality in order to push the health care industry forward."

RELATED: A, B, C? Here's How North Carolina Hospitals Scored For Safety

This puts a sense of transparency into the healthcare industry leading to higher quality of care and hospitals making "giant leaps forward in the safety, quality, and affordability."

And The LeapFrog Group just released its 2024 Hospital Safety Grades. They have ranked each hospital in the nation as either an A, B, or C. You can read the full methodology on these scores here.

Most of the Charlotte area hospitals received A grades though a few did receive B and even C grades. Does this mean you won't get good care? No. But it's information consumers have a right to know.

RELATED: Best Children's Hospitals, Here's Where North Carolina Hospitals Stand In Latest US News Rankings

All grades are the determination of The LeapFrog Group and you can view those and ones from any other city and state in the US here.

Keep reading to see the North Carolina Hospital Safety grades as determined by The Leap Frog Group. Hospitals included on this list are in the greater Charlotte area. The two closest South Carolina Hospitals are also included on this list since they are technically in the Charlotte area.