In this article

From silent progression to preventive action

Liver fibrosis caused by metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in the U.S. health system — and its impact is staggering.

Left unchecked, MASLD can progress silently to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and death. The cost to patients and the health system is enormous, with advanced liver disease contributing to billions in avoidable hospitalizations and specialty care costs each year.

At Optum, we believe this trajectory can and must change. Our AgeWise clinical chronic condition management program is:

Setting a new standard for liver care
Combining risk-based screening, noninvasive diagnostics and evidence-based interventions
Identifying and treating liver fibrosis earlier than ever

Why liver fibrosis demands urgent attention

Prevalence and risk

Millions of Americans are living with liver fibrosis, often unknowingly. Research shows that only 1 in 3 people with cirrhosis know they have it. It is estimated that 55%-70% of individuals with Type 2 diabetes and 75% of those with obesity also have MASLD.

Silent progression

Liver fibrosis rarely presents symptoms until advanced stages, making early detection critical.

System impact

Advanced liver disease drives high-cost utilization, including emergency care and transplant services.

Our goal is to shift liver care from reactive to preventive, ensuring patients receive the right interventions at the right time.

Medical Director, Optum

Dr. Lynn Lester

A groundbreaking approach to early detection of liver fibrosis

Traditional liver care often relies on invasive biopsies and late-stage interventions. Optum is changing that paradigm with:

Risk-based MASLD screening for high-risk populations, including adults 60 and over with obesity or Type 2 diabetes.
Noninvasive diagnostics like FibroScan® and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging, which deliver accurate, point-of-care results in minutes.
Comprehensive management programs that integrate lifestyle interventions, medication review and specialty referrals.

Early detection is the key to changing outcomes. At Optum, we’re empowering clinicians with tools and guidance to intervene before complications arise.

Medical Director, Optum Clinical Intelligence and Quality team

Dr. Christina Manders

Innovation in MASLD treatment

The FDA’s approval of Wegovy® (semaglutide) this year and Rezdiffra™ (resmetirom) in 2024 for moderate to advanced liver fibrosis marks a major milestone in treatment options.

In addition, metabolic and bariatric surgery has been shown to be effective in treating MASLD. Optum is actively evaluating these therapies within our evidence-based care model, ensuring clinicians have clear guidance on when and how to incorporate them.

Why clinicians and health systems should align with Optum

By partnering with us, clinicians and provider groups gain access to:

Cutting-edge tools for early detection and monitoring
Clinical decision support grounded in the latest research
Integrated care pathways that improve outcomes and reduce costs
Education and engagement programs to help patients adopt lifestyle changes proven to reverse fibrosis

The result? Better patient outcomes, lower total cost of care and a stronger position for your organization in value-based care models.

The opportunity to lead change

Untreated liver fibrosis is a silent driver of morbidity and cost. Clinicians have the power to change this — and Optum is providing the platform to make it happen.