Optum’s Retreat from Primary Care: A Sign of Shifting Healthcare Landscape?
Optum, the healthcare giant owned by UnitedHealth Group, is closing its Family Medical Group Northeast clinic in Portland, Oregon, just a few years after acquiring the longstanding practice. This closure, announced in a letter to patients on February 5th, raises questions about the future of corporate-owned primary care and access to healthcare in the region.
The Closure and Its Impact on Patients
The decision to close the clinic, which has served the Northeast Portland community since the 1980s, was attributed to “several unavoidable factors” in the patient letter. Optum has not publicly disclosed the specifics of these factors. The clinic, which once housed ten providers in early 2025, had dwindled to just two as of Wednesday, February 12, 2026, and is slated to close on March 13th.
Bob Mohrman, a patient of the clinic since 2008, expressed concern about finding a new primary care physician. He emphasized the importance of continuity of care, a cornerstone of effective healthcare. Optum stated that continuity of care is a top priority and will provide some services for a few weeks after the official closure date.
Optum’s Expansion and Contraction in Oregon
Optum quietly entered the Oregon primary care market in 2021, acquiring both Family Medical Group Northeast and Portland-based GreenField Health. Initially, there was a plan to consolidate GreenField Health’s clinicians and staff into the Family Medical Group location. However, that plan is now unraveling with the closure of the Family Medical Group Northeast clinic itself.
This situation mirrors a broader trend observed in the healthcare industry, where large corporations acquire smaller practices with the intention of streamlining operations and achieving economies of scale. However, the long-term sustainability of these acquisitions is increasingly being questioned.
The Growing Primary Care Access Problem
The closure comes at a time when access to primary care is already a significant challenge in the Portland area. Reports from last year indicated that patients often face months-long wait times to secure an appointment with a new primary care doctor.
Betsy Boyd-Flynn, executive director of the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians and a patient at the closing clinic, described the news as “super sad, and frankly worrisome.”
What Does This Mean for the Future of Healthcare?
The Role of Corporate Ownership
Optum’s actions raise concerns about the role of large corporations in primary care. Although corporate ownership can bring resources and investment, it can also lead to closures and disruptions in care, particularly when financial pressures arise. The lack of transparency regarding the reasons for the closure further fuels these concerns.
The Importance of Continuity of Care
The patient experience highlighted by Bob Mohrman underscores the critical importance of continuity of care. Building a relationship with a primary care physician over time allows for a deeper understanding of a patient’s health history and needs, leading to more effective and personalized care.
Potential for Increased Healthcare Costs
Disruptions in primary care access can lead to increased reliance on more expensive forms of care, such as emergency room visits and specialist appointments. This, in turn, can drive up overall healthcare costs.
FAQ
Q: Why is Optum closing the Family Medical Group Northeast clinic?
A: Optum cited “several unavoidable factors” in a letter to patients, but has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons.
Q: What will happen to patients currently receiving care at the clinic?
A: Optum says it is prioritizing continuity of care and will provide some services for a few weeks after the March 13th closure date.
Q: Is this part of a larger trend?
A: Yes, this closure reflects a broader pattern of corporate acquisitions and subsequent closures in the primary care market.
Q: Where can I identify more information about Optum?
A: You can visit the Optum website at https://www.optum.com/en/care/locations/optum-ohio.html.
Did you know? Optum is owned by UnitedHealth Group, which also owns UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States.
Pro Tip: If you are affected by the closure of Family Medical Group Northeast, start researching new primary care options now to avoid long wait times.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below. Explore more healthcare news and analysis on our website.
