John Muir Health has announced a strategic partnership with UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG) division, Optum to outsource their key non-clinical functions, including information technology, revenue cycle management, analytics, purchasing and claims processing. Through Optum’s operational technologies, analytic solutions and tools, and administrative services expertise, the partnership will ensure John Muir Health further advance its clinical and operational performance. The outsourcing agreement will also support and further enhance John Muir Health’s Physician Network ambulatory care coordination and utilization management services.
Outsourcing Benefits for John Muir
The new partnership agreement between John Muir and Optum will:
– Increase the efficiency of administrative operations using innovative technology solutions to reduce administrative workload and enable John Muir Health to maintain its focus on patient care.
– Accelerate John Muir Health’s ability to deliver value-based care and lower care delivery costs by applying proven approaches to integrated, coordinated care.
– Bring more data-driven insight to care providers and patients at the point of care using Optum clinical technologies and advanced analytic tools. Expected benefits include more fully engaging consumers in their health, identifying chronic conditions sooner and reducing overall care delivery costs.
Next Steps
As part of this outsourcing agreement, approximately 540 John Muir Health employees will now become Optum employees. In their new roles at Optum, they will continue to directly support John Muir Health’s work and mission as part of a dedicated John Muir Health team within Optum. With access to new skill-development opportunities, technologies and processes at Optum, these team members will build on their successful work in making John Muir Health the health system of choice for people in the Bay Area.
Optum’s expertise and capabilities will help us expand upon the high-quality patient care we provide to the Bay Area community,” said Cal Knight, president and CEO of John Muir Health. “We share common values with Optum, and this new relationship will help us further deliver on our mission to improve the health of the people we serve. We are committed to remaining independent while embracing partnerships that help us grow, and serve more patients.”
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.