The Newest Perk At Apple Will Keep Employees Healthy
Apple has officially entered the healthcare realm. Through Apple subsidiary AC Wellness, the tech giant will offer primary-care clinics around Santa Clara County with two set to launch in spring, CNBC reports.
The clinics will initially serve Apple employees and their families, and one will be at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Tim Cook told shareholders in mid-February the company has big plans to move into healthcare.
Apple is not the only major tech company venturing into healthcare. Amazon has teamed up with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase to provide affordable healthcare options to employees. Companies have been turning toward prevention and wellness since it is cheaper to prevent disease than treat sick employees, according to CNBC. Each year 69 million workers miss work because of a health problem.
Apple's move into medical clinics may allow the tech company to better test its health services and products. Apple is already working with Stanford University to test the effectiveness of the Apple Watch in detecting irregular heart rhythms.