Samsung Health goes beyond fitness, steps into real healthcare

Samsung introduced virtual doctor visits to Samsung TVs users in 2022. Now, the company is expanding that feature and bringing it directly to the Samsung Health app on Galaxy phones and tablets. This will make virtual doctor visits more accessible, as millions of Galaxy users can get primary and urgent care directly via their phones.

Samsung has extended its partnership with HealthTap to bring virtual doctor visits to the Samsung Health app on Android phones and tablets in the USA. This is the first time HealthTap's services are being integrated directly into a third-party app. Users can book a virtual consultation with a doctor, all without leaving the app and having to install an additional app.

Over 7 million Samsung Health users can get primary and urgent care via virtual consultations. They can then review the doctor's or physician's notes and follow-up instructions. If needed, they can then seek to visit an actual clinic or hospital for further medical care and intervention.

The feature was first announced last month and has now started rolling out.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, users have increasingly turned to telehealth options. Samsung aims to provide a seamless experience for virtual doctor visits. This is just the beginning, as the companies plan to introduce new services and integrations to Samsung Health, making it easier for consumers to access various specialties and care options driven by users' health data.

HealthTap is a popular US-based virtual primary healthcare provider. It offers virtual visits to doctors and other healthcare professionals and has partnerships with doctors, employers, insurers, and pharmacies.