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Is Optum the Largest Employer of Physicians?

Published in Physician Employment 2 mins read

Yes, Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, is the largest employer of physicians in the United States.

Optum's Extensive Physician Network

Optum has established a significant presence in the healthcare landscape by bringing a vast number of medical professionals into its network. This extensive reach allows them to provide a wide range of healthcare services across multiple states.

Here's a snapshot of Optum's scale in physician employment:

  • Total Physicians: Optum's portfolio includes an impressive 90,000 physicians. This substantial number highlights its leading position in physician employment nationwide.
  • Parent Company: Optum operates under UnitedHealth Group, one of the largest healthcare companies globally, which underpins its resources and strategic expansion.
  • Clinic Presence: The organization manages approximately 2,200 primary and specialty care offices. These facilities are strategically located to serve diverse patient needs.
  • Geographic Reach: Optum's physician network and care offices extend across 16 states, demonstrating its broad operational footprint.
Metric Detail
Parent Company UnitedHealth Group
Physicians Employed 90,000
Care Offices 2,200 (primary and specialty care)
States of Operation 16

This significant scale solidifies Optum's status as the foremost employer of physicians in the U.S., reflecting a growing trend of health systems and integrated care delivery models bringing physicians into larger organizational structures. For more details on this trend, you can refer to insights from organizations like Becker's Physician Leadership.