Optum, the health services business of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), announced that retired Army Lt. Gen. Patty Horoho has joined the company to bring together and align Optum's extensive capabilities to better support and deliver innovative solutions that meet the health needs of active-duty service members, veterans and their families. Horoho has 33 years of experience leading large integrated health systems in the public and private sectors, and served as the 43rd Army Surgeon General.
"Optum is privileged to support the health needs of U.S. military members, veterans and their families, and Patty Horoho's experience and strong leadership will help us serve them in the most comprehensive and effective ways," said Optum CEO Larry Renfro.
Optum has a long history of partnering with federal and state government agencies to meet the health needs of the millions of people they serve. From its efforts on the HealthCare.gov turnaround, to assisting in building an innovative next-generation Medicaid data system, Optum has deep experience working with government to make the health system work better for everyone.
Optum currently serves the readiness and health needs of active-duty military members and veterans by providing preventive health screenings and assessments to ensure that troops are ready to answer the call of duty. It is also leading the collaborative update of clinical practice guidelines for the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, providing doctors and other clinicians an updated framework to evaluate, treat and manage care for specific health conditions that create pathways to better outcomes.
Under Horoho's leadership, Optum is aligning its industry-leading health care technology, operations and data analytics capabilities with its experience serving government at all levels to develop products and solutions that meet the unique needs of veterans and the military health system.
"Supporting the health and well-being of our nation's veterans and active-duty service members is critically important," said Horoho. "I am excited to join the Optum team because it has the commitment, experience and proven capabilities to fundamentally improve the way health services are delivered in the military and veterans' health systems."
Horoho was the first woman and the first nurse to hold the position of Army Surgeon General and commanded the U.S. Army Medical Command, a large integrated health care organization that provides health services to 3.9 million active and retired personnel, and their families. She was also the first nurse and first woman to serve as commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System.
Horoho has been honored with numerous military awards, honorary doctorate degrees, civilian and international awards. Lt. Gen. Horoho's military awards and citations include the Superior Unit Citation, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, France's National Order of Legion of Honor, Chevalier (Knight) Award, Japan's Defense Cooperation Award Second Class, and The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also honored by the American Red Cross with Women Who Care Humanitarian Award; USO honored her with Woman of the Year award and Family Circle magazine named her one of the most influential moms.
She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a member of the American Association of Nurse Executives.
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.
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