UnitedHealth Group to Discontinue Telehealth Operations

UnitedHealth Group has made the decision to shut down its Optum Virtual Care telehealth business. Employees were informed of this decision on April 18, with some being told that their last day with the company will be in July. The company plans to provide support to affected team members by offering job placement resources and deploying them in open roles whenever possible.

In a statement provided to PYMNTS, a UnitedHealth Group spokesperson emphasized that virtual care remains an essential part of their integrated care delivery model. They are committed to offering patients a comprehensive network of providers for virtual urgent, primary, and specialty care options. The company continuously evaluates its services to ensure they meet the changing needs of their customers.

Optum Virtual Care provides round-the-clock care through virtual visits with board-certified physicians and nationally certified nurse practitioners. The service is accessible in all 50 states. Despite the popularity of telehealth during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports indicate a decline in telehealth usage in 2022 as more individuals return to in-person doctor visits.

Amwell, another telehealth provider, also reported a decrease in telehealth usage in 2023. The company attributed this decline to a milder flu season compared to the previous year. Overall, the telehealth industry is seeing fluctuations in usage patterns as healthcare needs evolve.