Optum's 6 key technology acquisitions, investments in 2019

Optum revenues surpassed $100 billion for the first time in 2018, and the company spent the past year making key acquisitions and investments.

In addition to its $4.3 million DaVita Medical Group acquisition, which was finalized earlier this year, and its partnership with John Muir Health to manage nonclinical functions including IT and revenue cycle, Optum has made six other key investments and acquisitions in technology companies this year.

Vivify Health: In October, Optum acquired Vivify Health, a startup that offers a mobile, cloud-based platform for remote patient care management for an undisclosed sum. The company's platform is used by providers across the country, including Pittsburgh-based UPMC, Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger and Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Advent Health. UPMC was an early investor along with Ascension's venture arm.

Equian: UnitedHealth Group confirmed acquiring Equian, which is now part of Optum, in September for $3.2 million, although the transaction was first reported by Wall Street Journal in June. Equian is a payment processing platform that insurers can hire to recover payments on inaccurate claims. It serves nine of the 10 largest payers.

Kaia Health: Optum Ventures led the $8 million funding round in September for Kaia Health, which is developing a smartphone-based technology for chronic condition management. The funding will expand the company's offerings, which currently include a platform that uses machine learning and expertise from leaders in the medical field to develop individual patient care plans. Right now, the company is primarily focused on musculoskeletal disorders and chronic back pain, and has more than 275,000 enrolled users.

Vim: Optum Ventures and Premera Blue Cross were co-leaders in a $24 million series B financing round for Vim in September. Vim's platform aims to foster collaboration between healthcare providers and payers.

PatientsLikeMe: Optum acquired healthcare technology start-up PatientsLikeMe from Chinese company iCarbonX in June. The start-up provides online services to connect patients with others who have similar conditions and UnitedHealth merged the company with its research and development group.

Health[at]Scale: Optum became the sole investor for Health[at]Scale's series A funding in May. Optum invested $16 million with the startup, which is developing machine learning solutions for precision medicine. The technology matches patients with providers using artificial intelligence and has clients that include health systems, insurers and self-insured employers.

 

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