US-based health data platform company Datavant has agreed to acquire Ontellus, a provider of health records retrieval and claims intelligence.
The acquisition aims to create a tech-enabled, digital-first platform that seamlessly connects health records with those who require them, optimising the process for healthcare providers.
The collaboration is set to enhance the administrative burden for Datavant’s extensive network of over 80,000 healthcare providers, clinics, hospitals, and health systems.
The entities often handle numerous health record requests essential for life insurance underwriting, injury claims, and legal cases.
Currently, the record retrieval process is fragmented, with varying workflows and data formats across organisations.
By joining forces, Datavant and Ontellus aim to streamline this process, ensuring secure and timely access to digitised health records for authorised parties.
Datavant CEO Kyle Armbrester said: “Moving health data securely and compliantly from where it sits to where it needs to be in the right format to authorised users is one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
“In addition to driving value to our health care providers, freeing up more of their time to focus on patient care, this acquisition will transform the experience for requesters from a largely manual and time consuming process to a more efficient, digital process that leverages Datavant’s deep expertise in privacy preservation and compliance.
“We are delighted to welcome Ontellus’ world-class team and work with them to further transform the health data request process for all of our customers.”
Ontellus has developed a nationwide platform that digitises records retrieval, allowing requestors direct access to providers.
Through its canvassing services, Ontellus provides detailed claimant treatment timelines to validate claims or identify preexisting conditions, aiding customers in reducing unnecessary claims exposure.
Datavant will integrate Ontellus’ capabilities with its digital connectivity to offer a comprehensive, tech-enabled platform to better serve customers.
As part of the transaction, Ontellus CEO Vince Cole will be appointed to Datavant’s executive leadership team, reporting to Datavant CEO Kyle Armbrester.
Houlihan Lokey served as the buy-side financial advisor for Datavant, while Harris Williams advised Ontellus on the proposed transaction.
Ontellus CEO Vince Cole said: “We’re enabling faster, more precise access to critical health information—not only for healthcare providers, but also for legal and insurance professionals who rely on timely, accurate data to support claims and compliance.
“We are deeply grateful to our investor partners, Aquiline Capital Partners and The Capstreet Group, whose strategic guidance and resources have powered our growth and product innovation.”
