RosettaFest: A Close Look at the Conference Agenda

RosettaFest 2024, in Washington, D.C., was a transformative event in the healthcare industry. This annual gathering, hosted by Health Rosetta, is a movement that brings together forward-thinking healthcare professionals, benefits advisors, employers, unions, and public entities dedicated to reshaping the future of health and wealth in their communities.

For Direct Care doctors, RosettaFest offered an invaluable opportunity to engage with like-minded innovators who are leading the charge in healthcare reform. 

RosettaFest Agenda: A Closer Look at How the Schedule Was Organized

RosettaFest 2024 offered four curated program tracks, each designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by different sectors within the healthcare ecosystem. 

1. Advisors Track

This track was tailored for benefits advisors who are at the forefront of designing and implementing innovative health plans. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders about the latest strategies and tools to better serve their clients. 

Sessions covered topics such as plan architecture, cost containment strategies, and the use of data analytics to optimize health outcomes. This track was ideal for advisors looking to stay ahead of industry trends and bring cutting-edge solutions to their clients.

2. Clinical Leaders Track

This track was dedicated to clinical leaders, including Direct Care doctors, who are driving change within their practices and the broader healthcare landscape. The sessions focused on the practical aspects of delivering high-quality care, including the adoption of DPC. 

Attendees gained insights into improving patient engagement, optimizing practice operations, and navigating the challenges of healthcare reform. This track was essential for clinicians who want to lead the way in patient-centered care and explore innovative approaches to practice management.

3. Employers/Unions Track

Employers and unions play a critical role in shaping the healthcare benefits landscape for millions of workers. This track provided these stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to design and implement health plans that prioritize employee well-being while controlling costs. 

Topics included value-based care, employee wellness programs, and the integration of healthcare and financial planning. This track was particularly valuable for HR professionals, union leaders, and executives responsible for benefits administration.

4. Solutions Track

The Solutions track was designed for organizations and individuals offering innovative healthcare solutions, including technology providers, policy experts, and healthcare consultants. 

Sessions explored the latest advancements in healthcare technology, including telemedicine, EMR, and patient engagement platforms. Attendees also discussed regulatory changes and how to navigate them effectively. This track was perfect for those looking to connect with potential partners and clients, as well as those interested in staying at the cutting edge of healthcare innovation.

Some of the Speakers at RosettaFest

The event energized attendees with powerful testimonials, expert panels, and keynote speeches from industry trailblazers like:

Jessica Brooks Woods

Jessica Brooks Woods is a healthcare executive known for her expertise in workforce strategy, diversity, and inclusion. She serves as the CEO of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, where she leads initiatives focused on improving employee health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Dave Chase

Dave Chase is the co-founder of Health Rosetta, an organization dedicated to fixing the healthcare system. He is a thought leader and author, known for his work on empowering patients and driving healthcare reform towards a more sustainable model.

Stacey Richter

Stacey Richter is a healthcare entrepreneur and co-president of Aventria Health Group. She is recognized for her work in improving healthcare delivery through innovative partnerships and solutions that align with patient needs and industry trends.

Adam Russo, JD

Adam Russo is the CEO of The Phia Group, a healthcare cost-containment firm. He is an expert in healthcare law and has been instrumental in helping organizations reduce their healthcare spending through strategic legal solutions.

Marilyn Bartlett

Marilyn Bartlett is a healthcare reform advocate known for her successful efforts in reducing healthcare costs in the state of Montana. She has extensive experience in healthcare management and has been recognized for her work in creating sustainable healthcare models.

Kevin Morra

Kevin Morra is the co-founder and executive creative director at Deeplocal, a creative technology and marketing company. He has a strong background in digital media and innovation, helping brands create engaging, technology-driven experiences.

Chris Deacon

Chris Deacon is a former healthcare benefits administrator for the state of New Jersey, where he led efforts to reform public sector healthcare plans. He is an advocate for transparency and efficiency in healthcare, working towards more equitable and cost-effective solutions.

Ken Yale

Ken Yale is an expert in healthcare policy and technology, with a focus on data analytics and population health management. He has held leadership roles in various healthcare organizations, driving innovations that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.

Cynthia Fisher

Cynthia Fisher is the founder and chairman of PatientRightsAdvocate.org, a nonprofit focused on healthcare transparency. She is a healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist, advocating for patients' rights to access pricing information and make informed decisions about their care.

Keith Smith, MD

Dr. Keith Smith is a pioneer in transparent pricing in healthcare and co-founder of the Surgery Center of Oklahoma. He is known for advocating for price transparency and challenging the status quo in the healthcare industry.

Marty Makary, MD, MPH

Dr. Marty Makary is a surgeon, public health expert, and bestselling author known for his work on patient safety and healthcare transparency. He is a professor at Johns Hopkins University and a leading voice in advocating for a more equitable healthcare system.

RosettaFest Sessions Spotlighting Direct Care

We navigated the Whova App to find all the conference sessions, and here’s our selection of six sessions related to the DPC model!

1. Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Care Innovation in the New Healthcare Economy

Discover how trailblazing physicians are redefining healthcare through Direct Primary Care, value-based contracting, and price transparency. In this panel, learn practical strategies to overcome barriers, create efficient care models, and inspire transformative change. 

These pioneers didn't wait for permission—they saw the flaws in the system and took bold steps to innovate. Be ready to leave inspired and equipped to drive change in your own healthcare environment.

Speakers 

2. Legislative Voices Advancing Access to Direct Primary Care

Discover how legislative voices are shaping the future of Direct Primary Care (DPC) by advancing policies that increase access for patients and providers alike. This session will explore the latest legislative efforts, the challenges faced, and the victories achieved in making DPC a more accessible and viable healthcare option. 

Speakers: 

3. The Promise of Direct Access: How Employers & Vendors Can Avoid Being Sued While Saving Millions

Discover fresh and diverse perspectives from seasoned industry veterans who have successfully implemented direct contracts on top of traditional commercial provider networks for years. You'll learn that networks can be highly effective when crafted and managed appropriately, and that transparent navigation is just as crucial as transparent pricing for gaining member buy-in and ensuring downstream engagement. Additionally, you'll explore why population-based payment is considered the holy grail in this field.

Speakers: 

4. If You Build It, They Will Come 

Discover what happens when a health insurance advisor teams up with a DPC doctor. Despite some bumps in the road, the collaboration has led to accessible and affordable healthcare for employers. This session will cover practicing what you preach, learning from trials and errors, and business development at its finest.

Speakers:

5. Integrating Lifestyle Medicine Into Your Group Health Plan

Discover how to integrate Lifestyle Medicine into a group health plan, shifting from traditional Medicine 2.0 to a holistic approach focused on the root causes of disease. This session will cover a new pilot program launched at a Central Florida non-profit, where enrolled members commit to a 6-month plan centered on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep. Learn how employers provide resources while employees partner with their DPC/PCP to set goals and celebrate milestones.

Speakers

6. Empowering Communities: Activating Engagement for a Community Owned Health Plan

Discover the dynamic journey of mobilizing community engagement for a Community Owned Health Plan (COHP). Through a strategic blend of initiatives, including an impactful local event, personalized outreach to local employers, targeted advertising on social media platforms, and leveraging trusted relationships with Direct Primary Care (DPC) doctors, they ignited awareness and fostered participation. 

Speakers

A Highlight of RosettaFest: The Rosie Awards

The Rosie Awards recognized the best health plans across America, particularly those driven by the innovative efforts of benefits advisors and physicians. This celebration of excellence underscores the event's commitment to recognizing and advancing the impactful work being done in the healthcare sector.

RosettaFest 2025 Dates and Location

RosettaFest offers an opportunity to be part of a larger movement driving positive change in healthcare. Whether you're looking to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, or gain practical tools to enhance your practice, this is the place to be. Save the date for the 2025 edition: August 24-27, 2025, in Denver, Colorado.