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Emory Healthcare receives Optum Center of Excellence designation for orthopaedics

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Janet Christenbury
Emory Healthcare
Lauren Mihajlov
Optum

Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital's (EUOSH) orthopaedics program has been named a Center of Excellence (COE) by health services provider Optum. A COE designation is given to medical practices that combine top-quality clinical care with excellent patient support and better patient outcomes.

EUOSH, a part of Emory Healthcare, has consistently received top patient satisfaction scores resulting from its patient- and family-centered approach to care.

"We commend Emory for providing an extraordinary level of quality care for the patients it serves," says Jon R. Friedman, MD, Optum chief medical officer for Complex Medical Conditions.

"Emory Healthcare provides exceptional orthopaedics and spine services across all of our hospitals and clinics, and we are grateful to have received this designation from Optum," says Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, FACR, president, CEO and chairman of the Board of Emory Healthcare. "Employers with access to Optum's COE network now have the option of selecting EUOSH for total hip and knee replacements, as well as certain spinal surgeries, and having a higher level of benefit. This means that employees and families affiliated with some of the largest employers in the nation, like Delta Air Lines, will have access to EUOSH providers for their care." 

"This is an important resource for our employees and their families," says Vickie Strickland, director, Health Strategy and Resources for Delta Air Lines. "At a time when we are looking for ways to offer the best care in the best location and at the best cost to our people, we're excited to have a Center of Excellence right here in Atlanta."

The Optum Center of Excellence designation marks the first time Emory Healthcare has entered into an orthopaedics "bundled payment" arrangement. Bundled payments are set fees for specific procedures during certain episodes of care. They provide cost predictability for employers and cost savings for employees. The specific procedures in this arrangement include spine surgeries and knee and hip replacements. 

"Since opening in 2008, EUOSH has proved to be an outstanding location to pilot new care models and payment methods for potential expansion," says Scott Boden, MD, professor of orthopaedics at Emory and director of the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center. "We hope this new opportunity will provide benefits for both the patients and their employers."

About EMORY HEALTHCARE

Emory Healthcare, with more than 16,000 employees, is the most comprehensive health system in Georgia. It includes: Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Emory Rehabilitation Hospital, Emory University Hospital Smyrna, facilities at Emory Wesley Woods Campus, Emory Clinic, Emory Specialty Associates and the Emory Healthcare Network.

In fiscal year 2015, Emory Healthcare had $2.8 billion in annual net revenue and provided $67.4 million in charity care. System-wide, it has 1,958 licensed patient beds.

Emory Healthcare is the only health system in Georgia with two Magnet-designated hospitals, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory University Hospital, for nursing excellence.

About OPTUM

Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 100,000 people worldwide, Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernize the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). For more information, visit www.Optum.com.

The Centers of Excellence (COE) program providers and medical centers are independent contractors who render care and treatment to health plan members. The COE program does not provide direct healthcare services or practice medicine, and the COE providers and medical centers are solely responsible for medical judgments and related treatments. The COE program is not liable for any act or omission, including negligence, committed by any independent contracted healthcare professional or medical center.


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