Behavioral Health is a big focus for UnitedHealth Group as demand for services increases.
During a session at the Goldman Sachs 44th Annual Global Healthcare Conference June 12-15, OptumHealth and UnitedHealth Group executives shared their strategy for behavioral health. The session included:
- John Rex, Executive Vice President and CFO of UnitedHealth Group
- Patrick Conway, MD, CEO of Care Solutions, Optum
- Tim Noel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement
Five key points:
1. Optum has 5,000 behavioral health clinicians, including psychiatrists therapists, in its network.
2. Optum offers behavioral healthcare in all 50 states and has clinics in 35 states. The company aims to provide integrated behavioral health with medical care to manage patient populations.
3. Optum's behavioral health business has seen increased utilization as more companies want to provide behavioral healthcare services, and more people are comfortable seeking treatment for depression and anxiety.
4. Outpatient therapy has maintained high volumes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. The unit costs for behavioral health are staying within expectations.