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Data and analytics trends and insights

Discover how complete and accurate data can identify trends and uncover new ways to improve operations, market research and health outcomes. 

Latest featured insights

Developing Medicaid Core Set measures for States

Article

Developing Medicaid Core Set measures for States

Discover how Michigan and Virginia took different approaches to meet the federal mandate of tracking care quality for Medicaid and CHIP.

Weight Loss Medications: What Real-World Data Can Reveal

Article

What real-world data can reveal about weight loss medications

Optum Life Sciences expert provides insights on how manufacturers can build value stories for their stakeholders.

Break Down Silos in Clinical Trial & Protocol Design

Article

Break down silos in clinical trial design

Clinical trial protocol design and feasibility often occur in silos. Learn how to make the overall trial design process more effective with RWD and other tools.

What If Pragmatic Clinical Trials Were More Practical?

Article

What if pragmatic clinical trials were more practical?

Pragmatic trials look increasingly attractive to researchers, but they’re tough to execute. Learn how to simplify the process.

 

 

Latest articles

Developing Medicaid Core Set measures for States

Article

Developing Medicaid Core Set measures for States

Discover how Michigan and Virginia took different approaches to meet the federal mandate of tracking care quality for Medicaid and CHIP.

Weight Loss Medications: What Real-World Data Can Reveal

Article

What real-world data can reveal about weight loss medications

Optum Life Sciences expert provides insights on how manufacturers can build value stories for their stakeholders.

 

 

Latest case studies and testimonials

Generating New Data: Voice-to-Claim Research Methodology

Case study

Generating new data voice to claim research

Using our Voice-to-Claim® methodology to better understand the attitudes and behaviors of patients and physicians and their effects on cost and utilization.

Identifying Patients at Risk for Bone Fracture Within 2 Years

Case study

Identifying patients' bone fracture risk

Optum Life Sciences experts used real-world data to assist in the testing of an algorithm designed to assess for osteoporosis risk.

Maternal Health Transformation: State Strategies & Analytics

Case study

Transforming maternal health: A roadmap for states

We offer analytics, consulting insights and real-world application for states to improve maternal health care for women enrolled in Medicaid.

 

 

Latest e-books

Trends Shaping Pharma Strategy in 2026 [E-book]

E-book

Trends shaping pharma strategy in 2026

How should pharma manufacturers strategically evolve as the industry shifts? Get expert insights from Advisory Board and Optum® Life Sciences.

How Are You Capitalizing on the Power of Real-World Data?

E-book

How are you capitalizing on the power of real-world data?

Maximize your investments with a more coordinated and connected real-world data strategy.

 

 

Latest guides

 

 

Latest on-demand webinars

Tackling OR Challenges with Active Data Management [Webinar]

On-demand webinar

Visionary approaches to the OR

Watch experts reveal how leading health systems are using AI-enabled analytics to reduce surgical costs and improve operating room (OR) capacity.

On-demand webinar

AI in action: Practical use cases for state health programs

AI transforms state health programs by automating detection, strengthening oversight and driving impact. Get key insights from experts.

 

 

Latest white papers

Scaling AI Without Sacrificing Safety, Quality or Trust

White paper

Scaling AI without sacrificing safety, quality or trust

Gain access to a discussion where health leaders across the U.S. share how AI can help transform care delivery and financial sustainability.

White Paper: Real-World Data Fills Rare Disease Data Gaps

White paper

Real-world data fills rare disease data gaps

Read how you can fill the data divide to develop effective treatment options.

Two-Part Series on the Future of AI

White paper

What healthcare leaders really think about AI

For our 2-part series on the future of AI, we surveyed more than 100 healthcare leaders. Part 1 reveals how leaders are approaching AI investments. Part 2 looks at the leadership challenge that executives face.

 

 

Latest videos

Helping States Serve Members Holistically

Video

How states can serve members more holistically

Lori Halpern and Dennis Vaughan discuss interoperability, helping communities address the growing mental health crisis and new ways of delivering care.

Applying Robotic Process Automation for Compliance

Video

Applying robotic process automation compliance

See how robotic process automation (RPA) helped saved 9,465 hours and $950,000 over five years in our client use case example.

  

 All data and analytics insights

Top stakeholder questions to consider

Ask your life sciences stakeholders what they need early on. Consider these top questions that patients, providers, payers and regulators are looking to answer.

Stay current on core claims systems releases

Stay current on core claims systems releases See how upgrade as a service from Optum helps health plans stay up-to-date on admin and core claims platform releases.

Automate fraud waste abuse improve program integrity

Learn how artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) can help federal agencies improve program integrity, cut costs and deter fraud.

Partnering to reduce fraud, waste and abuse

We partner with federal agencies to address challenges and support their unique needs through technologies, solutions and best practices.

Robotic process automation (RPA)

We utilize RPA to advance federal government programs.

States achieve health equity with actionable analytics

By applying analytics solutions, states can create a comprehensive roadmap to better health equity.

Visualizing fraud, waste and abuse

Graph analytics and machine learning drive the future of program integrity.

Deliver program integrity efficiencies

We help federal agencies with an effective data strategy and analytic roadmap to predict and prevent fraud, waste and abuse.

Utilize technology to harness disparate data

Invest in long-term fraud prevention.

Using data to monitor behavioral health services

See how Optum helped one state visualize utilization and demographic data around ‌behavioral health programs.

NLP methods for RWD insights

Natural language processing (NLP) systems allow us to draw insights from billions of unstructured medical notes. Learn more about our methodology.

Symmetry EBM Connect

Increasing compliance with evidence-based standards to enhance care.

Precision medicine trends: A conversation with Chris Boone, PhD

AbbVie Vice President Chris Boone discusses what the life sciences industry can do to realize precision medicine’s full potential.

Symmetry Oncology Analytics

Learn about powerful tools to measure the cost and quality of cancer care.

Arkansas' new approach to Medicaid management

See how data and analytics help Arkansas manage one of the state's most vital and widely used government programs.

Applying robotic process automation compliance

See how robotic process automation (RPA) helped saved 9,465 hours and $950,000 over five years in our client use case example.

New mandatory CMS reporting rules will impact states

To meet the requirements, states should consider focusing on five key areas.

9 ways to modernize the Medicaid experience

Read our 9 key takeaways for states to modernize the provider management experience.

Improved Arkansas Medicaid Outcomes

Optum has completed more than 200K+ assessments in Arkansas, helping coordinate care for people with chronic, high-cost and long-term care needs.

Collaborating to advance maternal health

Learn how leaders, communities and institutions can work with Optum to promote safe pregnancies and childbirth.

Targeted care, lower costs

One state achieved both aims in delivering home health services.

Optum Serve: Protecting taxpayer dollars

Eliminate fraud, waste and abuse in healthcare spending.

Address the complexity of the claims process

Read the interview for insights into how state leaders can reduce administrative cost and support collaboration with providers.

Strategies for incremental modernization

States can build on a step-by-step approach to modernization, incrementally transforming the user experience without disruption.

Generating new data voice to claim research

Using our Voice-to-Claim® methodology to better understand the attitudes and behaviors of patients and physicians and their effects on cost and utilization.

How VBC can work for manufacturers

Value-based contracts can present challenges that must be overcome to bring gene therapies to market.

New dimensions in life sciences research

Proving the impact on clinical outcomes as well as costs.

Strategies to reduce administrative costs

Strategies to fix payer-provider collaboration, streamline patient financial experience and apply AI technologies for better cost savings.

DC maternal health homelessness

Learn about our collaborative approach to promoting maternal health in Washington, D.C., with a focus on homelessness and perinatal care.

Design an exceptional provider review strategy

Optimize your provider review process to help save time, reduce costs and improve care quality.

CMS quality measure rules 2024

Upcoming changes in federal quality measures for Medicaid and CHIP will impact state governments.

The value of clinical notes

What more is there to the patient story? Get deeper data insight into patient-clinician interactions with de-identified clinical notes.

Social determinants of health in urban America

Learn more about addressing social determinants of health in Brooklyn, NY.

Optimize employee benefits with healthcare analytics

With the right tools, employers can transform employee benefits data into actionable insights that drive better experiences and add value.

Modernizing the Medicaid experience

How can states and providers use modularity to modernize? Dustin Haisler at GovTech.com interviews Optum product leaders for insights.

The fight for techquity

Get ideas for how to fundamentally change your approach to building technology and incorporate techquity into your organization.

How states can serve members more holistically

Lori Halpern and Dennis Vaughan discuss interoperability, helping communities address the growing mental health crisis and new ways of delivering care.

Healthier outcomes for moms and babies

By using enterprise data to reach out to women earlier in pregnancy, one state is supporting moms and babies and creating healthier outcomes for both with help from Optum.

Supporting care for at-risk minors

Learn about a lightweight, scalable foster-family placement system developed for one Northeastern state.

Reducing avoidable Medicaid claims denials

In this GovTech.com interview with John Campbell of Optum State Government Solutions, see how the right technology can modernize the claims process.

Partnering to close gaps in maternal health

Learn how we can collaborate with your state to use analytics and consulting to address your most important maternal health challenges.

Unlock clinical insights with NLP technology

Learn about natural language processing (NLP) challenges and opportunities in the real-world data (RWD) space from Optum® NLP experts.

What real-world data can reveal about weight loss medications

Optum Life Sciences expert provides insights on how manufacturers can build value stories for their stakeholders.

Making inroads with maternal health

Learn how Indiana and Washington, D.C., are tackling critical maternal health equity disparities.

Which growth strategy path is right for you?

Discover which growth strategy path is right for your health system.

Reduce length of stay and enhance resource efficiency

Learn more about how Crimson AI enables best practices for achieving operational excellence.

How are you capitalizing on the power of real-world data?

Maximize your investments with a more coordinated and connected real-world data strategy.

Trends shaping pharma strategy in 2026

How should pharma manufacturers strategically evolve as the industry shifts? Get expert insights from Advisory Board and Optum® Life Sciences.

Identifying suspicious billing patterns

Learn how a fraud detection algorithm flagged a suspicious vendor, saving States millions for improved program integrity.

VBC 5.0: Mastering the 5 pillars of value-based care success

Explore the 5 pillars of value-based care every health system, health plan and provider needs to succeed.

Developing Medicaid Core Set measures for States

Discover how Michigan and Virginia took different approaches to meet the federal mandate of tracking care quality for Medicaid and CHIP.

Rethinking clinical trial recruitment: Adapting to real-world data

Clinical trial recruitment shortfalls are often the result of protocol designs that don’t reflect how care is delivered. Real-world data can make a transformative difference.

5 steps to reduce surgical cost variance

Is your surgical center under cost constraints? Leverage this process that has saved Optum clients millions of dollars in surgical costs.

Dashboard streamlines Medicaid SUD program

Virginia’s new Medicaid analytics dashboard centralizes SUD data, improving treatment strategies and reporting for vulnerable communities.

Optum a leader in GenAI payer workflow platforms

Optum has been recognized with a Product Leadership Recognition in the North America GenAI payer workflow platform industry by Frost & Sullivan.

Strengthen your surgical capacity

Learn how to optimize surgical capacity by implementing and sustaining a highly-effective block management process.

Engaging specialists in value-based care

Alternate payment methods (APMs) can boost quality and cut costs by aligning payment and delivery for specialist providers.

Determining treatment safety for pregnancy and infants

Studying the impact of treatments on pregnancy and infants can help patients, providers and pharmaceutical companies make key decisions.

How real-world evidence can inform pharma strategies in 2025

Health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) can play a key role in helping the life sciences industry improve patient outcomes.

Reexamine the effect of the Inflation Reduction Act

Learn how real-world data and evidence can help prepare you for healthcare-related Inflation Reduction Act policies.

Insomnia treatment research study

Optum combined real-world data and primary research to create better understanding of insomnia and help create new treatments.

What if pragmatic clinical trials were more practical?

Pragmatic trials look increasingly attractive to researchers, but they’re tough to execute. Learn how to simplify the process.

Reconcile your RWD expectations to maximize your investment

Understand how routine clinical practice impacts information captured in real-world data (RWD).

What if providers’ clinical data were research-ready?

Providers collect data about patients every day. But what should they be considering — and doing — to put their clinical data to good use?

Analytics in payer-oncologist partnerships

See 4 ways that payers can help healthcare providers unlock the power of real-world data to drive quality and innovation in cancer care.

Identifying patients' bone fracture risk

Optum Life Sciences experts used real-world data to assist in the testing of an algorithm designed to assess for osteoporosis risk.

Break down silos in clinical trial design

Clinical trial protocol design and feasibility often occur in silos. Learn how to make the overall trial design process more effective with RWD and other tools.

Using the right tools to approach RWD

RWD pitfalls part 1: When working with real-world data, learn from the lessons of others to help maximize your own business return.

Redefining the prior authorization process

Learn how we are revamping the prescribing process.

Real-world data fills rare disease data gaps

Read how you can fill the data divide to develop effective treatment options.

Assess drug performance with integrated data

Explore real-world use cases to see how integrated data empowers research and commercial teams to compete in today’s crowded market.

Race ethnicity data bridge gap in improving health outcomes

The life sciences industry needs robust real-world data. For that data to reflect real-world populations, you need race and ethnicity data.

Is your real-world data research ready?

Real-world data can help evaluate the effectiveness of medications and therapies, which is why evaluation should be part of the investment.

4 ways small biopharma can harness RWD

Small and emerging biopharma companies are already having an impact on the industry. Learn how RWD can enhance the ability to innovate.

Integrated RWD: The key to accelerating innovation

To maximize the value of clinical innovations, you need dimensional, robust data. Learn about leveraging integrated cost and clinical data.

Tips for selecting a fit for purpose data set

Using real-world data (RWD) that are not fit for purpose can waste time and money. Review 6 simple steps to guide your research towards the right data.

Catalyze the use of RWE in life sciences

Discover how using real-world evidence (RWE) in the life sciences industry can help catapult learning and drive impact for your company.

Transforming maternal health: A roadmap for states

We offer analytics, consulting insights and real-world application for states to improve maternal health care for women enrolled in Medicaid.

Scaling AI without sacrificing safety, quality or trust

Gain access to a discussion where health leaders across the U.S. share how AI can help transform care delivery and financial sustainability.

AI in action: Practical use cases for state health programs

AI transforms state health programs by automating detection, strengthening oversight and driving impact. Get key insights from experts.

Level up your surgical savings

Discover game-style strategies and real-world case studies for reducing surgical costs and standardizing supply use with Crimson AI.

Visionary approaches to the OR

Watch experts reveal how leading health systems are using AI-enabled analytics to reduce surgical costs and improve operating room (OR) capacity.

What healthcare leaders really think about AI

For our 2-part series on the future of AI, we surveyed more than 100 healthcare leaders. Part 1 reveals how leaders are approaching AI investments. Part 2 looks at the leadership challenge that executives face.