KIM KOMANDO

Read this before signing up for Amazon Clinic

Jun 18, 2023, 5:00 AM

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

The CDC says millions of Americans are skipping doses, delaying refills, and taking other measures to save on meds. Add that to everyone who puts off visiting the doctor when they know something is wrong because it’s too expensive.

Healthcare and insurance talk aside, it’s always the right time to find other ways to save cash. Check your phone for monthly charges you can stop now.

Maybe you want to be your own boss. Here are the steps to start your own online business.

Looking for a cheaper way to get health care? An affordable option is Amazon Clinic, but can you trust it with your health information? Let’s take a close look.

Get the top tech news delivered to your inbox for free.

How much is too much?

It’s one thing for Amazon to know what kind of dishwasher tabs you use and which socks you wear. (It goes deeper than that, of course. Here’s how to see what Amazon knows about you.)

It’s another thing entirely for Amazon to have your health records. Book an appointment through the new Amazon Clinic, and you’ll meet with a clinician who can prescribe medication for anything from depression to thyroid issues.

Amazon does not provide the care itself. It’s an intermediary between you and the people who will treat you. That’s where the problems begin.

Not-so-protected health information

Though Amazon declares it is “compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA),” there’s more to the fine print.

When you sign up for treatment through Amazon Clinic, you also “authorize” all those involved (doctors, pharmacies, and labs) to share your Protected Health Information, or PHI, with Amazon. That includes:

  • Contact information, including your email address.
  • Demographic information, such as your date of birth.
  • Account and payment information, including insurance info.
  • Your complete patient file, including medical and billing records.

Amazon has the right to “retain, use and disclose this information” for two purposes: If a healthcare provider you used through Amazon Clinic leaves, Amazon will set you up with another one.

Amazon can also use your PHI to “facilitate services from other providers.” It’s unclear who these providers are. Doctors? Or businesses looking to target you with ads related to your condition?

Privacy 101: A secret ID in your phone reports much more than you’d think back to advertisers. You can delete it.

The HIPAA in the room

Say you’ve given it a lot of thought and are OK with this. You grant Amazon permission to use and disclose your PHI. Amazon may also “redisclose” this information, and “this redisclosure will no longer be protected by HIPAA.” If you’re confused, you’re not alone.

Remember, Amazon Clinic is not a clinic. It connects you with third parties, providing telehealth services with clinicians.

Amazon is held to different standards when it comes to HIPAA, and you’d need an experienced lawyer to determine where Amazon’s permissions begin and end. I’m not one, but I like to play it safe with my privacy.

Security tip: Make sure you’re not accidentally sharing your location with apps or people

Here’s the safe bet

Don’t sign up for Amazon Clinic. Ask your doctor for medical advice or find a reputable clinic for treatment. Odds are, your existing healthcare provider offers telehealth services. There’s no reason to hand over your most private information to a company that already collects so much about you.

You can revoke your authorization if you’ve already used Amazon Clinic and have second thoughts. You can’t simply opt out online. You must fax or mail a written request or fill out a form. They want you to work for it.

First, fill out this form or create a written request that includes your name, date of birth, address and phone number.

Fax the paperwork to 206-266-7010 or mail it to the following address:

Amazon.com, Inc.
Attn: General Counsel
P.O. Box 81226
Seattle, WA 98108-1226

NOTE: The revocation will not affect any disclosure that any HCP took before receiving your notice.

Keep your tech-know going

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST PICK: PTSD and Apple Watch amazing cures

Your Apple Watch is more than an everyday accessory; it’s a partner in the battle against PTSD. In this special episode of “Kim Komando Today,” I explore NightWare, an app that transforms your Apple Watch into a shield against PTSD-induced sleep disturbances.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.

Kim Komando

woman looks at phone as if she's going to hang up...

Kim Komando

Security warning: Scammers are calling you with holiday tactics

Cybercriminals make a killing over the holiday season — just think about how often we pull out our credit cards.

8 hours ago

iPhone and Androids have useful tricks...

Kim Komando

Smartphone tricks every iPhone and Android user should know

This week's tech tips will walk you through some of the best hidden features you’ll wish you knew about sooner.

6 days ago

man sitting on computer looking frustrated...

Kim Komando

Here are 5 dumb security tech mistakes that you have been making

As tech security ranks high on the list of smart things to do, let this be your reminder to make a few quick changes to protect yourself.

7 days ago

family photo being taken at holiday event...

Kim Komando

Clever tech hacks for less stress this holiday, from Amazon spoilers to family pics

Before you dive headfirst into the festive frenzy, I've got tech tips that'll sprinkle a little magic on your celebrations.

10 days ago

iphone and iphone box...

Kim Komando

Unlock your iPhone’s full potential: 12 must-know tips & win an iPhone 15

I’m still discovering new things on my iPhone. No matter your model, I bet there are hidden features you’ll be happy to know.

13 days ago

Kim Komando

To do: Change your smart speaker settings before the holidays

It’s worth changing a few settings to make your voice assistants safer when guests come knocking for the holidays.

14 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Follow @iamdamonallred...

Avoid a potential emergency and get your home’s heating and furnace safety checked

With the weather getting colder throughout the Valley, the best time to make sure your heating is all up to date is now. 

(KTAR News Graphic)...

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

Follow @KTAR923...

Valley residents should be mindful of plumbing ahead of holidays

With Halloween in the rear-view and more holidays coming up, Day & Night recommends that Valley residents prepare accordingly.

Read this before signing up for Amazon Clinic