By Sam Boughedda
Investing.com --Teladoc Inc (NYSE:TDOC) jumped more than 6% Monday, following the company's association with Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) to launch Teladoc on Alexa.
The link-up will see Amazon Alexa launch voice-activated general medical virtual care on supported Echo devices, such as an Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show. Customers in the U.S. will be able to connect with a Teladoc care provider from supported Echo devices for general medical needs.
The companies said Teladoc on Alexa will initially launch via audio, with video consultations coming soon after.
Providing an example of how the service will work, Teladoc said customers can say, “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor,” to their Echo device, and they will then get a call back on their Echo devices from a Teladoc doctor.
The cost per visit will be as low as $0 per visit with insurance or $75 without insurance.
“Teladoc Health’s collaboration with Amazon is yet another step in breaking down barriers to healthcare access,” said Donna Boyer, chief product officer, Teladoc Health. “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."