A Google search should never substitute a visit to a healthcare facility, but going to the doctor’s office isn’t always practical. So, if you would like to have your medical advice dispensed with a slice of technology, there is a way to do that.

Here’s the backstory

Many people turn to the internet to self-diagnose a condition that’s been bothering them. A quick search could give you general indications of your ailment, but it won’t always be accurate. Getting medical advice through an Echo is similar to how you would ask the device for anything else. By simply saying the keyphrase “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor,” the software will contact a healthcare provider. You will then be called back on the Echo. But the service should never be used for anything serious, as it’s only for non-emergency consultations. Currently, the service only supports audio, but there are plans to incorporate video calls in the future.

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