Optum

Optum’s expansion into ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) tends to raise prices for competing insurers without shifting patient referrals toward those facilities. Optum – a division of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) with an expansive, nationwide ASC footprint – was the subject of a recent analysis in Health Affairs. Authors examined two central questions: whether acquired physician practices shifted referrals from hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) to ASCs, and whether Optum’s ASC … [Read more...]

Surgery Center of Conway partners with AMSURG Physician-owned Surgery Center of Conway and AMSURG have partnered to improve the ophthalmology and retina-focused ambulatory surgery services at the facility.  The center in Conway, South Carolina, will use AMSURG’s operational, clinical and financial expertise to enhance its business while maintaining its culture of patient-centered care and physician clinical autonomy, according to a press release highlighting the partnership.   Nashville, … [Read more...]

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is one of the largest and most influential entities within the U.S. health care system, with its reach touching the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) space as well. And it’s currently in the midst of a leadership identity crisis. On Tuesday, UnitedHealth Group revealed that Andrew Witty was stepping down from the CEO role, effective immediately. The abrupt change at the top of America’s health care titan is due to “personal reasons,” UnitedHealth Group noted in … [Read more...]

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continue to face swift and significant consolidation trends, which will likely pick up even more in the coming year. Both private equity firms and health systems are intensifying their involvement in the outpatient surgical market, creating new challenges and opportunities for independent ASCs. Smaller, physician-owned ASCs have historically thrived on agility, personalized service and cost efficiency, Todd Currier, CEO and administrator of Bend Surgery … [Read more...]

Optum – the parent of major ambulatory surgery center (ASC) chain SCA Health – continues to play an important role at health care giant UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). Not too long ago, Optum played a complementary role under the broader UnitedHealth Group umbrella. Now, however, Optum is taking center stage, with the health care services arm serving as UnitedHealth Group’s leading revenue generator. “In the first half of the year, revenues grew by nearly $14 billion, with strong … [Read more...]