In a bid to strengthen its national network of hospitals and address financial setbacks, Steward Health Care, a hospital operator under Medical Properties Trust's portfolio, has entered into an agreement to sell its physician network to UnitedHealth's Optum Care arm, according to a media report.

The sale, which involves Stewardship Health, the managed care business of Steward Health Care, aims to help the health system resolve its immediate financial issues. RBC Capital Markets analyst, Michael Carroll, noted that the move is a positive step for Steward and will allow the hospital operator to repay its outstanding obligations to Medical Properties Trust.

Collaborative Care Holdings, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth's Optum, revealed the pending sale in a notice filing with the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. However, the detailed terms of the deal, such as the price and timing, were not disclosed in the document.

While industry experts see this as a positive development, there are still some uncertainties surrounding the transaction. RBC's Carroll maintained a neutral sentiment indicator, citing unknown factors including regulatory approvals and the final deal price.

The sale of Steward's physician network to UnitedHealth's Optum Care arm aligns with Steward's efforts to reinforce its national hospital network, which consists of 33 hospitals. Steward Health Care faced financial challenges last year, resulting in overdue bills and rents. This strategic move aims to address those setbacks and create a stronger foundation for the organization.

This news signifies a potential transformation for Steward Health Care, as it looks towards a brighter financial future and continued growth within the healthcare industry.