OptumCare Can Reach 70 percent of the US Population

By TORY WOLFF Who will be the first to take integrated health care delivery national? A few years ago, the best bet might have been an established provider with a nationally compelling brand and a growing affiliate federation such as Cleveland Clinic or Mayo. Instead, Optum – just a decade ago three separate services largely focused on serving United’s health benefits business – has entered care delivery and — by a constant stream of acquisitions big and small — built up beachheads in a majority of markets and is – via ongoing big acquisitions, tuck-ins and greenfield expansions – laying the foundations of a national integrated ambulatory system. Particularly in light of the latest rumors about the role of clinics in driving the value of a potential AET-CVS combination, it is timely to take a look at what Optum has put together, size its geographic reach and discuss some strategic implications. OptumCare’s three-pronged entry into ambulatory care OptumCare’s delivery consists of three broad components: Physician practices owned directly and managed via Optum-owned independent practice associations (IPAs) which provide administration, support services and structure the risk contracting Urgent care facilities able to address a material share of care provided by hospital emergency departments at a significantly lower cost Ambulatory surgical centers (ASC’s) which can support a growing share of lower acuity surgeries while avoiding the cost of an admission a...
Source: The Health Care Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Aetna CVS OptumCare United Health Source Type: blogs