October 2025 Top of Mind

Help members find you fast — attest to your area of expertise now

To ensure members have access to accurate, detailed information when choosing a provider, all Optum Behavioral Health providers in Massachusetts are required to review and update their Area of Expertise (AOE) designations in the provider directory by Jan. 31, 2026.

Area of Expertise is not the same as your specialty or clinical focus. It highlights your unique experience, training, and certifications in working with specific populations or treatment modalities. This helps members make informed decisions based on their individual needs and preferences.

Examples of AOE indicators include:

• Adolescents (13–18 years)
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Assertive Community Treatment
• ASAM Medicaid Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT)
• Behavioral Health Crisis Core
• Behavior Support Consultation (BSC)
• ABE Board Certified in Clinical Social Work

How to update your AOE in four easy steps

1. Log in to the Provider Express secure portal
2. Navigate to My Practice Info > Clinician Information
3. Select Add New Attested AOE
4. Choose your areas of expertise and attest to your selections

Keep your provider profile current
Network providers are required to verify and attest to the accuracy of your demographic data every 90 days, including your AOE indicators. This requirement is outlined in the National Network Manual, as required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.