OptumHealth recognized during first-ever nationwide competition of health management
programs that empower, protect consumers
Washington, D.C. April 18, 2008 – OptumHealth’s Treatment Decision Support has received an honorable mention in the consumer decision support category of URAC’s inaugural Best Practices in Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards competition.
OptumHealth’s Treatment Decision Support program helps consumers make informed decisions about medical conditions where high variability exists in treatment practice, related costs and patient outcomes, and where evidence-based medicine guidelines may not be clear.
Feedback from consumers who were surveyed after using OptumHealth’s new Treatment Decision Support program indicates 96 percent were satisfied, and 89 percent would recommend the service to others. The study also found that 87 percent of consumers said the program helped them make a decision about their health care.
“When consumers are better informed and taking an active role in their health, it is a win/win for everyone. Our program helps consumers get the right care at the right time in the right place,” said Dr. Harlan Levine, chief medical officer, OptumHealth Care Solutions. “URAC’s recognition of OptumHealth’s Treatment Decision Support program is important for employers and health plans that are searching for innovative approaches to consumer engagement.”
“A Best Practices Award is a strong signal to the marketplace that an organization places a premium on consumer protection and empowerment,” added Alan P. Spielman, URAC’s president and CEO. “We are excited about this opportunity to recognize these trailblazers and draw attention to programs that are models for the industry.”
In all, URAC honored 22 winners for excellence among entries from health care management, health information technology, health plan and pharmacy benefit management organizations. Entries were judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts in three categories: consumer decision support, consumer/patient safety, and integrated care coordination. Programs were selected as winners for their ability to measurably demonstrate an impact on consumer empowerment and/or protection, as well as their potential for wide-spread implementation of the program by other organizations.
About OptumHealth
As one of the nation’s largest health and well-being companies, OptumHealth makes health care easier and better for employers, health plans, public sector entities and the 61 million people with access to its services. The Company’s goal is to optimize health, well-being and financial security, while lowering benefit costs and helping consumers make informed decisions about their health through standalone or integrated services. OptumHealth is a division of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.OptumHealth.com.
About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation and education programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.
For more information contact:
Ann Fleischauer
Phone: (763) 797-2652
Ann.fleischauer@optumhealth.com
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