As part of Amazon's latest move into healthcare, the company has hired Martin Levine, MD, a physician from Boston-based Iora Health, two people familiar with the action told CNBC.
Dr. Levine is a geriatrician at the Seattle branch of Iora, which focuses on Medicare patients in six U.S. markets. Though it is not clear what Dr. Levine's role at the e-commerce giant will be, he may be joining Amazon's emerging internal healthcare group called 1492.
1492 is reportedly exploring new technology opportunities in healthcare, including both hardware and software projects, but Amazon has yet to publicly address the health team.
Dr. Levine devoted four years to Iora, according to his LinkedIn profile. He served as market medical director but also treated patients, supervised a chain of clinics, designed the health plan and helped managed a team of about 45 physicians, nurses and other personnel.
Some investors — like Health Rosetta Group's Dave Chase — speculate Dr. Levine may investigate whether Amazon should invest in primary care for its own employees.
"Many smart employers over the last several years have developed an onsite or near-site clinic," Mr. Chase told CNBC. He thinks a clinic that served Whole Foods and Amazon employees would make "economic sense."
News of Dr. Levine's hiring came just days after Amazon posted a job listing in search of a HIPAA Compliance Lead.
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