James Polo, MD, will serve as chief medical officer for Optum Behavioral Health, according to a June 22 LinkedIn post.
In his role, Dr. Polo focuses on clinical quality and policy, member experience, regulatory strategy, utilization management, affordability, innovation, and population health for various health plans. He will work with UnitedHealthcare, the rest of Optum, other clients, provider networks and care delivery organizations, his LinkedIn profile said.
“I look forward to helping drive strategies that advance clinical excellence, innovation, affordability and health equity while supporting our shared mission of helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone,” he said.
Before this role, Dr. Polo was chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Washington Medicaid plan. Previously, he was vice president and chief medical officer for Carelon Behavioral Health under Elevance Health.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.
