08 March 2023
Best Buy has found another way to capitalize on the health trend with Amazon.com, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and others offering in-person and/or telehealth services for a variety of medical conditions treated in a primary care setting.
The consumer electronics retailer said it is partnering with Atrium Health to supply and install devices that allow patients to receive hospital care while staying at home. Atrium purchases the devices from Best Buy, and the retailer’s Geek Squad handles installation and collection when patients complete their care.
Atrium completed a merger with Advocate Aurora Health in December to create Advocate Health, the fifth-largest healthcare system in the US with 67 hospitals and more than 1,000 healthcare offices in six states. Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health.
“We knew Atrium Health was the right partner to address the unique challenges of home care,” Deborah Di Sanzo, president of Best Buy Health, said in a statement. “We are excited to leverage our expertise in omnichannel, supply chain, Caring Center support and services, in-home support, and our ability to connect patients and caregivers through Current Health’s home care platform. Those strengths, combined with Atrium Health’s extensive clinical expertise and deep experience in virtual care, will help us improve and enable home care for everyone.”
“Our partnership with Best Buy Health will help transform the lives of our patients and consumers by giving them access to the tools and experiences they need to receive care in the comfort of their own homes,” said Dr. Rasu Shrestha, head of innovation and commercialization associate at Lawyer Health. “Our surveys show high levels of patient satisfaction for our hospital-home experience and the use of virtual care is a valuable tool in our efforts to eliminate both economic and geographic inequalities in access to healthcare. Together with Best Buy Health, we will join forces to deliver better outcomes and fair access to patients receiving care at home.”
Best Buy Health focuses on enabling medical care at home with three focus areas: wellness, aging and care. The company’s Lively brand offers appliances, health and safety services and care centers to help adults live independent lives. Best Buy’s Current Health platform is designed to enhance the home care experience through remote patient monitoring, telehealth and patient engagement.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: How do you rate Best Buy’s approach to capitalizing on opportunities in the health and wellness market? What are your thoughts on the approach of other major retailers, including Amazon.com, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart et al?
“While I continue to worry about brand fit, I don’t think it will make much of a difference. This effort will be positive for both companies.”
