ARTICLE

How value-based care enhances patient health while helping reduce costs

October 15, 2025
  • Kelsey-Seybold’s approach to patient-centered care is a more cost-effective and comfortable solution for people in need

For more than 20 years, Kurt has trusted Kelsey-Seybold Clinic for his health care needs. One of the reasons: Kelsey-Seybold’s value-based care approach to care.

Kurt's story

With a long history of hand issues, Kurt sought treatment at Kelsey-Seybold in Houston. 

His physician, Dr. Nolla, an orthopedic hand surgeon at Kelsey-Seybold, introduced him to a cost-effective solution: an in-office mini-open procedure. 

This approach saved him the additional deductible costs. The procedure was quick, lasting about an hour and a half from start to finish and he was able to drive himself home afterward. The total cost? Just a $65 specialist visit fee.

“The experience was seamless. The office setting was comfortable, and I was back at work the next day. It makes me feel good that I can save money while receiving the best care possible.”

Kurt | Kelsey-Sebold patient


 

A focus on quality and efficiency 

Kelsey Health Plans offer patients like Kurt a comprehensive, coordinated one-stop health care model, with an emphasis on preventive services and cost efficiency. Our innovative approach creates meaningful value for both employees and employers, resulting in 15%-30% savings in total medical costs and consistently high member satisfaction. 

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is part of UnitedHealth Group through its affiliation with Optum. In 2022, Optum acquired Kelsey-Seybold, a Houston-based multispecialty clinic with more than 1,000 physicians across 40+ locations. This partnership supports UnitedHealth Group’s commitment to value-based care — a model that focuses on improving health outcomes and lowering costs by emphasizing quality over quantity. Together, UnitedHealth Group and Kelsey-Seybold are helping more people access coordinated, affordable care that fits their lives.

This is the power of value-based care, delivering high-quality treatment with a focus on efficiency, patient comfort and cost savings. The key is to ensure patients receive the right care in the right setting, making health care more accessible and affordable.

 

Other ways we offer value-based care

Individualized care teams
Optum at Home assigns dedicated care teams —including nurse practitioners, physicians and care navigators — to work closely with individuals in their own homes. This model is especially beneficial for high-risk patients with complex chronic conditions. The care is tailored to each patient’s needs, allowing them to remain in a familiar environment while receiving hospital-level support.
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HouseCalls program
The HouseCalls initiative brings preventive and routine care directly into members’ homes. It not only addresses medical needs but also social determinants of health — like access to food, housing and transportation.
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Education and support with Optum Infusion Pharmacy
Before therapy begins, patients are provided with educational resources and have 24/7 access to their pharmacy teams who are ready to provide guidance and ongoing support. Our proprietary Optum Savings IQ technology connects patients with all available financial assistance options, making care more affordable and accessible.
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