Optum Launches AI-Powered Value Connect to Support Value-Based Care

The company said the tool is designed to help payers and providers identify performance gaps, manage risk, and improve outcomes through integrated workflows.

Optum has unveiled Value Connect, an artificial intelligence-powered platform aimed at addressing operational and data challenges in value-based care.

The company said the tool is designed to help payers and providers identify performance gaps, manage risk, and improve outcomes through integrated workflows.

According to the announcement, Value Connect integrates directly into existing systems, eliminating reliance on external spreadsheets and streamlining communication between stakeholders. The platform is intended to reduce administrative burden and support more coordinated decision-making across value-based care programs.

Beth Merle, senior vice president of provider enablement at Optum Insight, said the solution is designed to support organizations at different stages of their value-based care journey. “The solution empowers organizations to proactively manage risk and costs while improving outcomes for the people they serve,” she said.

Within payer workflows, Value Connect generates population health alerts and flags potential risks or gaps in care. The system can prompt interventions at the point of care to address identified gaps. For providers, the platform highlights patient-specific risks and follow-up actions that can be incorporated into care plans.

Optum reported early performance metrics from clients using the platform. Organizations have recorded an average 29% reduction in emergency department visits and a 28% decline in avoidable hospital admissions. The company also cited a 35% decrease in medical spending, a 17% reduction in pharmacy costs and a 20% increase in care gap closure rates among users.

Keck Medicine of USC is among the early adopters of Value Connect. Rod Hanners, CEO of the health system, said the collaboration is intended to support its transition toward value-based care and improved patient outcomes.

Value Connect is positioned as part of Optum’s broader strategy to expand AI-driven tools that support payer-provider collaboration and performance management in risk-based care models.

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