An external review by FTI Consulting found that nearly 97% of diagnoses made by UnitedHealth’s HouseCalls clinicians in 2025 were supported by patient medical records. The audit examined 200 visits covering 494 diagnoses, with 3.4% deemed unsupported. This follows concerns from the Department of Health and Human Services about diagnoses appearing only in home-visit assessments. Reuters + 1
We look at this with both a sense of pride, but also humility," said Wyatt Decker, an executive vice president at UnitedHealth, adding the company aims to make sure that documentation practices by nurse practitioners more accurately reflect diagnoses patients receive.
HouseCalls diagnoses influence Medicare Advantage payments to UnitedHealthcare, which operates plans for seniors and people with disabilities. Federal scrutiny has centered on whether certain diagnoses are documented elsewhere in patient records. The audit’s findings may help reassure regulators and patients but underscore the need for accurate, consistent documentation in payment-linked assessments, similar to broader healthcare technology trends where data accuracy and integration shape trust and adoption. Reuters + 1
UnitedHealth leadership responds to findings
Executive vice president Wyatt Decker said the company views the results with "pride" and "humility," aiming to improve nurse practitioner documentation accuracy. CEO Stephen Hemsley emphasized that home visits can prevent costly emergencies and pledged to do better. Despite the audit, Decker confirmed no immediate policy changes have been implemented. Reuters + 1
What comes next for home-health oversight
The review followed a pledge from Hemsley after UnitedHealth missed profit expectations for the first time since 2008. Previous FTI findings cited a lack of standardized documentation in HouseCalls. While the latest audit offers a largely positive assessment, ongoing oversight and evolving digital health tools—such as wearable devices integrating with medical records—could influence future operational and compliance strategies.
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