UnitedHealthcare expanding nutrition counseling with Aeroflow Health

UnitedHealthcare has entered into a partnership with medical device company Aeroflow Health to integrate telehealth into nutrition therapy for people who are pregnant, postpartum or dealing with chronic conditions. 

UnitedHealthcare Commercial and Medicare patients can now participate in Aeroflow’s medical nutritional therapy program, which includes personalized virtual counseling sessions and the opportunity for people to explore their health profiles at home. 

These sessions cover medical and nutrition history, sleep patterns, weight fluctuations and goals, stress management, hydration and physical activity, the companies said.

The program largely focuses on individuals managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy nutrition is one of the top strategies for preventing chronic disease. Responsible for 70% of all U.S. deaths each year, chronic illnesses represent a major public health challenge that can be reduced through accessible nutrition education and coaching, the companies said.

Aeroflow integrates nutrition services with a range of medical products such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), breast pumps, incontinence products and CPAP supplies. 

Aeroflow described this as “a complete approach” to patient care.

“Nutrition has the power to transform lives, yet access to credible dietitians and nutrition support remains out of reach for many communities,” said Amanda Minimi, vice president of Health Solution Marketing and Operations at Aeroflow Health. “Partnering with UnitedHealthcare allows us to flip that script by meeting patients where they are. We understand that every patient has a unique health story shaped by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors.”

THE LARGER TREND 

UnitedHealthcare's parent company, UnitedHealth Group, saw third-quarter revenues grow 12% to $113.2 billion, despite headwinds that have created a “key sense of urgency” across the company to return to performance standards. 

The challenges this year have been persistent. In July, the company officially acknowledged an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for alleged criminal healthcare fraud, as the feds seek to probe its Medicare Advantage practices.