The telehealth industry is seeing fluctuations in usage patterns as healthcare needs evolve, with UnitedHealth Group being the latest to make a change. On April 18, the company announced that it would be shutting down its Optum Virtual Care telehealth business. Some employees were informed that their last day with the company will be in July, but 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. 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 due to a milder flu season compared to the previous year.
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. While this decision may be difficult for some employees, UnitedHealth Group continues to evaluate its services and adapt them to meet the changing needs of their customers.
