Inside STAT: Big Retail may be next to disrupt health care

(SMITH COLLECTION/GADO/SIPA VIA AP IMAGES)

If Apple and Amazon seemed like unlikely players to enter the health field a few years ago, the latest set of entrants may seem even further removed from the space. Retail and telecom giants are taking essential parts of their brand — things like wireless networks, mobile workers, and foot traffic — and turning them into health care tools. Best Buy, for instance, is leveraging its tech help service Geek Squad into a resource to keep tabs on seniors. Comcast is exploring the possibility of equipping TVs with telehealth capabilities for patients. And Walmart has already opened health centers adjacent to two of its retail stores to capitalize on the enormous amount of foot traffic the stores receive and offer people a less expensive alternative for many basic health services. STAT Plus subscribers can read more STAT’s Erin Brodwin here.