API

Optum Real APIs for Medical Providers

APIs that enable real-time, automated exchange of eligibility, claims and payment data between providers and payers.

Optum Real gives providers access to patient eligibility, benefit, prior authorization and responsibility data across multiple payers in real time, reducing claim denials and improving the health care experience for patients.

Packages starting as low as

Transparency

With real-time transparency into a patient’s eligibility data and coding validation, providers can improve the patient experience and reduce avoidable claim denials.

Efficiency

Access data across multiple payers through a single integration, relieving administrative burden and improving claim processing workflows.

Administrative cost savings

More accurate claim submission reduces administrative costs and expedites reimbursement.

Included modules

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    Optum Real Pre-Service Eligibility API

    With Real Pre-Service Eligibility, providers can submit real-time eligibility inquiries to payers before the patient’s visit. 

    Through a centralized API, you can access real-time patient eligibility information across multiple payers within your existing EHR system. Spend less time chasing information and more time delivering a high-quality experience for your patients. 

     Real Pre-Service Eligibility includes: 

    • Eligibility information including patient demographic information, plan-level cost shares, plan coverage details and insurance details

    • Coordination of benefits including primacy and coverage details for each payer plan

    • Image of a patient’s insurance ID card 

    • Provider in- and out-of-network status 

    Real Pre-Service Eligibility is currently live with UnitedHealthcare, with additional payers to follow in 2026.

    Developer Portal
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    Optum Real Claim Pre-Check API

    With Real Claim Pre-Check, providers can submit real-time claim inquiries to payers prior to treatment.  

    Through a centralized API, you can access claim processing information — like eligibility and prior authorization requirements —across multiple payers in real time. This allows you to identify and prevent denials before they occur. 

    Real Claim Pre-Check includes: 

    • X12 claim validation (HIPAA)

    • Membership coverage eligibility for the date of service 

    • Coordination of benefits including primacy and coverage details 

    • Prior authorization requirements and status 

    • Adherence to payment and medical policies  

    Real Claim Pre-Check is currently live with UnitedHealthcare, with additional payers to follow in 2026.

     

    Developer Portal

Developer Resources

Try before subscribe – Request access to sandbox credentials for all Optum Real APIs

API Documentation
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you have a sandbox that I can test before signing a contract?

A: Yes! We encourage you to use our sandbox environment before signing a contract. The login requires a separate set of credentials that you can get from your Starter Guide. After receiving your client_id and client_secret for our sandbox environment, you can test the API in our interactive documentation, use an application like Postman, or test the APIs using your own development console.

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Application Programming Interface

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