{"id":98797,"date":"2021-05-31T11:02:21","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T10:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/?p=98797"},"modified":"2021-05-31T11:02:21","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T10:02:21","slug":"amazon-and-walmart-wade-into-u-s-telehealth-and-digital-pharmacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/blog\/amazon-and-walmart-wade-into-u-s-telehealth-and-digital-pharmacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Amazon and Walmart wade into U.S. telehealth and digital pharmacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">The e<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">&#8211;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">commerce giants<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">\u2019<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">\u00a0evolving healthcare offering<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">s<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">\u00a0could\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart BCX0 SCXW89398439\">put pressure<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">\u00a0on<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">\u00a0drug makers<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">, as well as<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW89398439\">\u00a0PBMs and telehealth vendors<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">healthcare ambitions<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">have long been the subject of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">intense\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">speculation \u2013\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bioworld.com\/articles\/372317-going-digital-binary-choice-or-absolute-necessity?v=preview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">not a little anxiety<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 for players\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">throughout the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sector<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">massive\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">scale and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">world-beating digital\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">capabilities<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">give it the power to disrupt\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nearly any\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">business it\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">enters<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0So\u00a0you could almost hear healthcare company CEOs<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">taking a sharp breath and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sitting up\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">little\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">straight<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">er<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0when, in March, Amazon\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aboutamazon.com\/news\/workplace\/amazon-care-to-launch-across-u-s-this-summer-offering-millions-of-individuals-and-families-immediate-access-to-high-quality-medical-care-and-advice-24-hours-a-day-365-days-a-year\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">announced<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that it would offer\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">its in-house health plan, Amazon Care, to other employers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in the United States<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019s pitch to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">self-insured\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">employers is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that they will\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">provide<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">patient-centered,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">digitally-enabled online<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">person care<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that delivers greater co<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nvenience and a better customer experience to their employees \u2013 along with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cost savings<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0over traditional plans<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. \u201cWhat if there were no more waiting rooms<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u201d a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/amazon.care\/for-employers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">video promo directed at employers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0asks. \u201cWhat if care was delivered<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0on your time and your terms?\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Behind these questions is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">comprehensive new offering<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0including<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">24-hour<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, on-demand<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0access to clinicians through the Amazon Care\u00a0app<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">at-home visits\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">by<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0nurses in Amazon-branded polos for labs<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, tests and treatments<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">digital pharmacy\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">services through the company\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon Pharmacy<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0business<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">built in part on<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2019\/05\/10\/why-amazon-bought-pillpack-for-753-million-and-what-happens-next.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">acquisition of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">PillPack<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon is still building out its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">clinical care network \u2013 a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/partners.crossoverhealth.com\/press\/crossover-health-announces-expansion-of-amazons-neighborhood-health-centers-and-virtual-care-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">partnership with Crossover Health<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gives enrollees access to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">17\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sites in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">six<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0states, including\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bellwethers\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">California<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Texas<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and New York<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 but will offer virtual services nationwide.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAmazon is in the initial stages of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">building out its virtual care offering,\u201d said Indu Pillai, Principal Analyst for Market Access at Clarivate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, \u201cproviding its employees virtual care with subsidized rates. It\u2019s early to speculate, but\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with its innovative capabilities and focus on the consumer experience, Amazon could become a major contender in the telehealth space.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Walmart, meanwhile,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has been<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0gradually<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0building out its network of in-store clinics<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 a bricks-and-mortar presence that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">will be complemented by the retail behemoth\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.walmart.com\/newsroom\/2021\/05\/06\/walmart-health-to-acquire-telehealth-provider-memd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">May acquisition of MeMD<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which offers virtual urgent care and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mental<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0health services<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for a flat fee per visit<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"blockquote\">\n<p class=\"mb-0\">\u201cIt\u2019s early to speculate, but with its innovative capabilities and focus on the consumer experience, Amazon could become a major contender in the telehealth space.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer class=\"blockquote-footer\">Indu Pillai, Principal Analyst for Market Access at Clarivate<\/footer>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer><\/footer>\n<footer>\n<h4>Putting\u00a0pharmas,\u00a0PBMs under pressure<\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These announcements\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pose a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">n\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">immediate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0challenge to the burgeoning field of telehealth services such as Teladoc and American Well<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0but<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">over time, Amazon\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">algorithmically-driven\u00a0e-commerce\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">engine could\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">also\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pinch pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0pharmas.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAmazon\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has the capability to completely remove the PB<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ms from the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">process<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">said\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pillai. \u201cThat\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">could mean that pharma companies become more commoditized<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, with price negotiations for drugs being more like a reverse auction.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon could also\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cut out PBMs and compete directly with\u00a0pharmas\u00a0if it were to launch its own line of generic prescription drugs \u2013 the company\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has already\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2018\/02\/20\/amazon-has-quietly-launched-an-exclusive-line-of-over-the-counter-health-products.html#:~:text=Top%20OTC%20medicine%20brands%20sold%20to%20Amazon%20,%20%204%20%204%20more%20rows%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">launched\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">a line of own-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">brand OTC products under the Basic Care label<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon still has some work to do in building out its specialty pharmacy capacity<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(Walmart has a head start in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the pharmacy department,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a massive retail footprint<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a sophisticated online operation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.walmart.com\/newsroom\/2019\/01\/18\/cvs-health-and-walmart-announce-new-pbm-pharmacy-network-agreement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">a partnership with CVS\u2019s PBM<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon has\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">other irons in the healthcare fire, as well<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, including its Halo fitness tracker,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HIPAA-compliant Alexa\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">voice AI<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and its\u00a0HealthLake\u00a0cloud<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-based health data service<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The company is exploring development of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">automated patient services, such as\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/how-to-use-the-alexa-care-hub-to-care-for-aging-loved-ones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">its Alexa Care Hub<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for seniors, fueled by (and generating) patient\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">data<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>The online retail experience\u00a0meets medicine<\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">B<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eyond its sheer scale and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the awesome data analytics power of Amazon Web Services, what sets the company apart is its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">skill in designing the customer experience.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How would\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">one-click ethos\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">change patient behavior when it comes to treatment selection?\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cRight now,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/decisionresourcesgroup.com\/solutions\/taking-the-pulse-manhattan-research\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">our physician research<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0shows that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">around a quarter<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of patients in the United States ask their\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">doctor<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">about a specific drug<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u201d said Sonam Dubey<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">V<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ice President for Digital Engagement at\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarivate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(DRG, 2020)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hat\u2019s true<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for both in-person consultations, where physicians tell us 25% of their patients ask about a drug, on average, and in virtual consults<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, where 23% do so<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Amazon experience really empowers the end consumer<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to shop around<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and patients might start to act\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">more like consumers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in that environment.\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Combined with a hybridized online-offline\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">care model<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that could mean that physicians are disintermediated\u00a0from the treatment selection process,\u00a0to a degree<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, making<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0strong<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">patient education\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and support offerings\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">all the more\u00a0important for\u00a0pharmas.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This sort of hybrid\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">online\/offline service could have salutary effects for medication adherence \u2013 a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2018\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarivate survey<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0of U.S. patients<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0found that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">34% of non-adherent patients would be more likely to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">get prescriptions refilled using a service that offered online ordering and home delivery<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">compared to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">25% of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">adherent patient<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(DRG, 2018)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Moreover, 21%<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of non-adherent patients said they would order\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">prescription drugs online if they could do it on Amazon.com, versus 14% of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">adherent patients.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Stronger supply chains needed<\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">COVID-19 has exposed\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">frailties in global supply chains, p<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">articularly for pharma<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ceutical<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, as evidenced by<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/cortellis\/article\/understanding-disruptions-to-the-antibiotic-supply-resulting-from-covid-19\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">plague of drug shortages<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the early months of the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pandemic.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Amazon\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">best-in-class procurement\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">system<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0could test how well\u00a0pharmas\u00a0have\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">responded.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cPharmas\u00a0would have to work on their supply chain strategies, because Amazon is very demanding,\u201d said Pillai<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s possible, of course, that Amazon Care\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">will\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">not be able to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0scale up. The\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">platform<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0has only one outside customer<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0so far, in Peloton subsidiary Precor,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statnews.com\/2021\/05\/06\/amazon-care-telehealth-precor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">which signed up<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0earlier in May<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s plenty of competition in the self-insured employer marketplace, including\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/centivo.com\/our-press\/centivo-expands-its-health-plan-into-connecticut\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Centivo\u2019s recently-launched digital-forward offering<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which has found traction in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Haven, a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">n earlier<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Amazon healthcare<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0collaboration with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">J. P. Morgan Chase and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Berkshire Hathaway,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2021\/01\/04\/haven-the-amazon-berkshire-jpmorgan-venture-to-disrupt-healthcare-is-disbanding-after-3-years.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">called it quits in January<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(though\u00a0not without producing some learnings\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that have informed Amazon Care<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Walmart has a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">way to go with its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in-store clinic network,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">so far\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">largely\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">concentrated in Georgia and Florida<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">its direct-to-consumer, flat-fee<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0service model could\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hold\u00a0particular appeal\u00a0to the millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans, whose ranks have grown with the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">economic dislocation of the COVID-19 pandemi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">c (Walmart is also\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/cortellis\/article\/retail-giant-walmart-enters-the-u-s-health-insurance-sector-with-medicare-plan-play\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">making a play for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">seniors with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">a tranche of Medicare insurance plans<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">).\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Both companies\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">face\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">distinct<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0challenges, but if any have the scale and digital\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">expertise<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to disrupt American healthcare, it\u2019s them, and that has\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the attention of\u00a0all of\u00a0the healthcare industries<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Clarivate analysts\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">track emerging trends in healthcare technology and\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">market access, along with their impact on patient and provider\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">behavior, in order to help\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">life science partners\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">speed treatments to market and meet patient unmet needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Visit the<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Cortellis<\/span><\/i><i> <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/cortellis\/blog\/\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Life\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">S<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">ciences and\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">H<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">ealthcare blog<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202ffor more expert analysis of this and other topics of concern to life sciences companies.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Access <a href=\"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/products\/research-reports\/multichannel-engagement\/\">Multichannel Engagement Research Reports<\/a> for perceptions across markets.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The e&#8211;commerce giants\u2019\u00a0evolving healthcare offerings\u00a0could\u00a0put pressure\u00a0on\u00a0drug makers, as well as\u00a0PBMs and telehealth vendors Amazon\u2019s\u00a0healthcare ambitions\u00a0have long been the subject of\u00a0intense\u00a0speculation \u2013\u00a0and\u00a0not a little anxiety\u00a0\u2013 for players\u00a0throughout the\u00a0sector.\u00a0Amazon\u2019s\u00a0massive\u00a0scale and\u00a0world-beating digital\u00a0capabilities\u00a0give it&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":266553,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_type":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,21],"tags":[118,90,38],"class_list":["post-98797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-biopharma","category-life-sciences-healthcare","tag-digital-health","tag-market-access","tag-patient-centricity","clarivate-product-biopharma"],"acf":[],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":98797},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"pll_sync_post":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=98797"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98797\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=98797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/life-sciences-healthcare\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=98797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}