Driving Better Health Outcomes One Person at a Time

We are committed to helping improve health outcomes for the people and communities we serve, with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of disease. Using a holistic approach to delivering care, we are working to effectively manage or prevent chronic disease, address health disparities and improve health literacy to better meet the needs of the communities and people we serve.

Driving Better Health Outcomes

Rewarding excellence in health care delivery based on patient outcomes is a proven strategy to not only improve quality and enhance the patient experience, but also to reduce health care costs for those we serve. We collaborate with health care providers by offering them technology, data and financial rewards for delivering excellent patient results at lower costs. 

Driving Better Health Outcomes

Investments to modernize health care infrastructure, increase the use of data and information, and deploy proven technology solutions are necessary to improve health outcomes. To effectively coordinate patient care with providers from other facilities and health systems, clinicians need integrated access to relevant clinical information about their patients from other health IT systems. Efforts to advance interoperability must also ensure the responsible use of health care data and the protection of consumer privacy.

Driving Better Health Outcomes

Medicare represents approximately 20% of all health care spending in the U.S. and spending on the program is expected to nearly double over the next decade. Solutions for modernizing Medicare include expanding proven private-sector best practices to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the health care experience for seniors, by:

• Promoting high-value providers and care delivery.
• Advancing care coordination.
• Leveraging data analytics and technology.
• Enhancing the consumer experience and promoting choice.

Spotlight

As seniors age, their physical health and mental health needs change over time. In some cases, physical limitations and other impediments make it difficult for them to obtain needed health services and reduce their ability to engage with neighbors and community resources. Seniors may also face economic issues that can create food and housing instability.

The HouseCalls program brings one-on-one health care directly to seniors’ homes, helping identify patients’ clinical, behavioral and community needs, closing gaps in care, and identifying chronic conditions as well as complications of chronic conditions.

HouseCalls annual visits, conducted by Optum’s advanced practice clinicians, include a complete health history overview, a physical exam, the identification of health risks and gaps in care, and the development of an individualized plan of care for enrollees in Medicare Advantage special needs plans. Patients are also assessed for needed assistance, including food, medication and housing affordability, transportation issues, and employment assistance.