Optum Plans Faster Urgent Care Growth Than Expected

Wall Street analysts have predicted that Optum would add 25 to 30 urgent care centers per year through acquisition and startups, but on a recent call with analysts the company predicted it would grow at a quicker pace on its way to operating clinics in 75 markets. A key step in that strategy, as we reported, was buying MedExpress for the urgent care centers it operates in 14 states. Optum still says those locations will carry the MedExpress name, but that it will refine the branding to include Optum’s identity in some way. Optum is owned by UnitedHealth Group.