Astellas Oncology is committed to elevating the standard of cancer care. We focus on developing innovative, targeted therapies for hard-to-treat cancers with limited treatment options, which is where we see the greatest opportunity to help people living with cancer.
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Robert Baird, Jr. RN, MSA
President
National Cancer Treatment Alliance
Robert Baird, Jr., RN, MSA
President
National Cancer Treatment Alliance
Robert E. Baird, Jr., R.N., M.S.A., has extensive experience in health care management, developing strategic plans and directing financial, operational, and clinical initiatives. He is currently working for the National Cancer Treatment Alliance (NCTA) positioning community oncology practices for success in the changing health care environment. Prior to joining NCTA, Robert was the CEO of Dayton Physicians Network, where he merged 3 independent physician practices (Medical Oncology/Radiation Oncology/Urology) to create a large multi-specialty practice. He grew the network from 18 to over 40 providers, generating $170 million in annual revenues. Robert received his Master of Science in Hospital and Health Service Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Nursing Degree from Excelsior College.
SESSION Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (3:40 – 4:30 PM) Role: Moderator Assessing Provider Quality & Value in Cancer Care: What Should Employers & Self-Funded Companies Be Looking For?
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (3:10 – 4:00 PM) Role: Panelist Is Direct Contracting the Solution? New Initiative Connecting Employers & Providers Directly in High-Quality, Affordable Cancer Care
Antonio Ciaccia, BS
Chief Strategy Officer
3 Axis Advisors
Antonio Ciaccia, BS
Chief Strategy Officer
3 Axis Advisors
Born and raised in pharmacy, Antonio Ciaccia has been crawling around pharmacies his entire life. After three years as a pharmacy technician and two years of pre-pharmacy curriculum, Antonio diverted course, graduating from The Ohio State University in 2007 with dual degrees in communications and political science before moving into the world of association management.
Thinking that pharmacy would be in his rear-view mirror forever, he ended up making his way back to his pharmacy home, heading up government affairs for the Ohio Pharmacists Association, a trade organization with a strong track record of advocating for drug pricing transparency. After years of studying the pharmacy marketplace, Antonio became increasingly perplexed and concerned as he saw drug costs spiking while payouts to pharmacies were declining. Knowing something was being lost somewhere in the middle of an ever-growing transaction, Antonio was a driving force that helped uncover hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden middleman markups in the Ohio Medicaid program in 2018. Through his experience in pharmacy, work in public policy, consulting at 3 Axis Advisors, and studies at 46brooklyn Research, he has spent years working to crack the drug pricing code and pull the rug out from what he believes is one of the most dysfunctional marketplaces in the world.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:15 – 10:05 AM)
Role: Panelist The PBM Conundrum: Are PBMs the Solution or Problem in Oncology Payment Reform?
Michael Diaz, MD
Director of Patient Advocacy
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
President
Community Oncology Alliance
Michael Diaz – MD
Director of Patient Advocacy
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
President
Community Oncology Alliance
Dr. Michael Diaz joined Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) in 2011 and currently serves on the FCS Executive Board and as Director of Patient Advocacy for the practice. Dr. Diaz also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, as Vice-Chair, which provides non-medical financial assistance to qualified cancer patients in Florida. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors and as the Immediate Past President for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO). Dr. Diaz also provides leadership on the Board of Directors for Community Oncology Alliance (COA) as Vice-President, serving on the Payment Reform Task Force working to champion Medical Oncology Health Care Reform and as a Co-Medical Director for the COA Patient Advocacy Network. He is active with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on multiple Work Groups and as a member of ASCO’s Clinical Practice Committee. Dr. Diaz donates many hours as an active Medical Missionary and has participated in numerous medical missions to Kingston, Jamaica.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (12:00 – 12:50 PM) Role: Moderator Assessing the Patient Impact of Insurer Mandates: White/Brown Bagging, Step Therapy, Home Infusion, & Other Strategies
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (1:20 – 2:10 PM) Role: Panelist Update on COA’s Oncology Care Model 2.0: A Comprehensive Solution for Providing High-Quality, Affordable Cancer Care
Nicolas Ferreyros
Director of Communications
Community Oncology Alliance
Nicolas Ferreyros
Director of Communications
Community Oncology Alliance
Nicolas Ferreyros is Director of Communications at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), the only national organization dedicated solely to preserving and protecting local, affordable, and accessible community cancer care. He is responsible for all internal and external communications activities at COA, including media relations, policy communications, and digital strategy. A seasoned communications counselor and strategist with more than 13 years of experience in public relations, Nick has a deep understanding of the people, policies, and processes that affect America’s health care system. Since 2006, he has been engaged in nearly every major health policy issue before Congress and regulatory agencies, including the Affordable Care Act, the 340B Drug Discount Program, Medicare policy, and more. He has worked closely with Democratic and Republican legislators on Capitol Hill, the White House, the Department of Health & Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and National Institutes of Health.
With a knack for translating the “wonkery” of science and policy into plain language and understandable concepts that people care about, Nick specializes in developing successful strategies to address complex issues. Working closely with thought leaders, stakeholders, reporters, and editors, his work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CBS Evening News, PBS NewsHour, and other leading national outlets. Prior to joining COA, Nick was a managing supervisor at GYMR Public Relations, a boutique Washington, DC communications firm specializing in health care, science and social issues. While there, he oversaw high-profile, award-winning campaigns for clients including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Board of Internal Medicine, Consumer Reports, and numerous federal agencies.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:15 – 10:05 AM)
Role: Moderator The PBM Conundrum: Are PBMs the Solution or Problem in Oncology Payment Reform?
Bo Gamble
Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives
Community Oncology Alliance
Bo Gamble
Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives Community Oncology Alliance
In his current position with COA, Bo Gamble has been responsible for the development of the principles and metrics associated with the Oncology Medical Home (OMH) program. Working with COA members and payers, the OMH program was developed in 2012 and participating practices began using this practice model immediately. Robert “Bo” Gamble joined the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) in May 2011 as the Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives. Mr. Gamble brings a diverse range of cancer practice expertise at the national and local levels. His extensive experience includes 13 years’ experience as administrator at a multi-physician, multi-location oncology practice, and medical IT consulting to Big Eight accounting firms. Prior to that, he served in various health care capacities as an independent consultant for hospital patient accounting and IT implementation projects, National Director of Client Support for a health care software company, and business office manager for a 300+ bed hospital. He got his beginning as a hospital orderly during his college years. Bo has also served as the President and Legislative Chairperson for the North Carolina Oncology Practice Management Society, a member of the COA Board of Directors, and the co-chair of the national COA Administrators’ Network. Bo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Health Care Management from Appalachian State University.
SESSIONS
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:00 – 12:10 PM) Role: Presenter Day One Welcome & Introductions
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:10 – 12:50 PM) Role: Presenter The State of Oncology Payment Reform: Ongoing Models, Pilots, & Projects
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (1:50 – 2:40 PM) Role: Moderator Deep Dive: Updates From Three Ongoing Oncology Payment Reform Projects
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:00 – 9:10 AM) Role: Presenter Day Two Opening Remarks
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (1:20 – 2:10 PM) Role: Moderator Update on COA’s Oncology Care Model 2.0: A Comprehensive Solution for Providing High-Quality, Affordable Cancer Care
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (2:15 – 3:05 PM) Role: Moderator Designing & Negotiating Insurance Benefits: Best Practices for Optimal Patient Experience, Performance, & Cost Savings
President / CEO
Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health
Neil Goldfarb
President / CEO
Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health
Neil Goldfarb is Founding President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health, established in 2012 to help employers develop best practices for maintaining a healthy workforce, and to improve healthcare safety, quality, and value. GPBCH represents over 1.5 million covered lives in southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. Mr. Goldfarb has over 40 years of healthcare research and management experience. Previous positions include Associate Dean for Research in the Jefferson College of Population Health, and Vice President of Health Services for the Philadelphia region’s first Medicaid managed care plan. Mr. Goldfarb has authored over 60 articles in the peer-reviewed literature. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (11:05 – 11:55 AM)
Role: Panelist Applying Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in Oncology
Lucio Gordan
President / Managing Physician
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Lucio Gordan
President / Managing Physician
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Dr. Lucio Gordan earned his medical degree from the State University of Londrina College of Medicine (Londrina, State of Paraná, Brazil), and subsequently, completed his Internship and Residency at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA). After finishing his Residency, Dr. Gordan was awarded a Fellowship in Medical Oncology/Hematology at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida). He is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine.
Currently, Dr. Gordan serves as the President & Managing Physician of Florida Cancer Specialists and practices at the Gainesville Cancer Center. Also, Dr. Gordan serves on the American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) Executive Board and Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Board of Directors.
As a cancer researcher, Dr. Lucio Gordan is actively engaged in clinical studies, has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and has received research grants. In 2013, Dr. Gordan was awarded the prestigious FRIST Award from the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in recognition of his service in the Gainesville community and North Florida Regional Medical Center. Frequently, he participates in national and international meetings as a speaker and key-opinion leader.
Married with one child, Dr. Gordan enjoys traveling, reading, horseback riding, and photography.
SESSION
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (2:45 – 3:35 PM)
Role: Panelist The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology & Payment Reform
Cheryl Larson
President / CEO Midwest Business Group on Health
Cheryl Larson
President / CEO Midwest Business Group on Health
Cheryl Larson is President and CEO of the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH), an employer coalition of over 130 mid, large and jumbo, self-funded, public and private companies who represent more than 4M lives. She oversees all coalition activities including advocacy, membership, administration, research projects and educational activities, working closely with MBGH’s employer-led Board of Directors to establish the strategic direction of the coalition. She also leads MBGH’s National Employer Initiative on Specialty Drugs, the first major purchaser-driven research project that supports employers in managing the higher costs of biologic and specialty drugs by helping them make critical and informed decisions. Cheryl joined MBGH in 1983 and served as the Director of Membership Development for almost 14 years. She then spent 10 years with a population health management company, returning to MBGH in 2006 as Vice President. In 2018, she became President & CEO. Cheryl is a nationally recognized speaker on employer best practices in managing specialty drugs, value-based benefit design, wellbeing, consumerism, engagement and benefit communications. She currently serves on multiple boards and committees representing the purchaser perspective, including the Institute of Medicine Chicago – Board of Directors and Fellow, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions – Board of Governors, University of Michigan Value Based Insurance Design (VBID) – National Task Force on Low-Value Care.
SESSION
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:55 – 1:45 PM)
Role: Panelist The Employer Perspective on the State of Cancer Care & Payment Reform
Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq.
Founding Partner
Frier Levitt, LLC
Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq.
Founding Partner
Frier Levitt, LLC
Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq., co-founded the boutique Healthcare law firm of Frier Levitt, LLC in 2000. Frier Levitt enjoys a national foothold in Life Sciences and Healthcare. Beginning with a 2003 nationwide class action of independent pharmacies, Jonathan began his journey to both understand all aspects of the drug space and develop skills relevant to multiple stakeholders. Frier Levitt has grown to more than 35 Healthcare-focused attorneys, including clinician attorneys, with offices in New York City and Pine Book, New Jersey.
At Frier Levitt, Jonathan has dedicated his practice to representing pharmacies, physician-dispensers, national provider associations, manufacturers, wholesalers, and plan sponsors. He has an established track record of challenging abusive practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and speaks at Life Sciences conferences across the country in an effort to share his firm’s specialized knowledge. Jonathan is the author of the LinkedIn Group “Hot Topics in Pharmacy Law” and has been published in internationally circulated publications. He commits himself to pro bono and public service assignments.
For the last 13 years, Jonathan’s peers have elected him as a Super Lawyer. Jonathan is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. Jonathan has competed in triathlons, including the 2012 New York Ironman U.S. Championships, as well as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:15 – 10:05 AM)
Role: Panelist The PBM Conundrum: Are PBMs the Solution or Problem in Oncology Payment Reform?
Barbara L. McAneny, MD
CEO
New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd.
Barbara L. McAneny, MD
CEO
New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd.
Barbara L. McAneny, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist/hematologist from Albuquerque, N.M., became the 173rd president of the American Medical Association in June 2018. She has been a member of the AMA Board of Trustees since June 2010, serving as its chair in 2015–2016. Dr. McAneny is a fellow and former member of the board of directors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), a master of the American College of Physicians, and a past president of the New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS), the Greater Albuquerque Medical Association and the New Mexico chapter of the American College of Physicians. In addition, she has served as a member of the Community Oncology Alliance Board of Trustees and on the board of directors of the Cancer Center Business Summit. She became the delegate to the AMA from ASCO in 2002 and was elected to the AMA Council on Medical Service in 2003, serving as its chair in 2009–2010. Dr. McAneny is one of the founders and current chair of the board of the National Cancer Care Alliance, a group of independent practices collaborating to use innovation to deliver high-quality, high-value cancer care and to develop new alternative payment models based on sound data-driven principles. Prior to this, she was a founding member of Oncology Circle, a group of oncology practices using data to promote best practices. Dr. McAneny’s interest in using data to improve practice sustainability began when she was appointed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service’s Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, where she served from 2002 to 2006. In 2012 Dr. McAneny received a $19.8 million grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation to demonstrate how oncology practices could use triage pathways to dramatically lower costs while improving outcomes. This award, named COME HOME (for Community Oncology Medical Home), later was incorporated into Medicare’s Oncology Care Model. Innovative Oncology Business Solutions Inc., the company she created to manage the award, is now assisting physician practices in developing the process changes needed for MACRA. Among other volunteer activities, she has served on the governor of New Mexico’s Task Force on Prenatal Care, the board of Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, and as chair of the joint task force of the NMMS and the New Mexico Bar Association on domestic violence. A recipient of a New Mexico Woman on the Move Award in 2005 and Woman of Influence Award in 2009, Dr. McAneny has been voted several times by her peers as Albuquerque The Magazine’s “Top Doc” in her specialty. Dr. McAneny also co-founded New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants Ltd. in 1987 with Clark Haskins, MD. A managing partner since 1999, she built New Mexico Cancer Center as the first physician-owned multi-disciplinary cancer center in the state with clinics in Albuquerque and Gallup. She also founded the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, which provides grants to help patients with nonmedical expenses. Dr. McAneny graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and with honors from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1977. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Iowa in 1980 and her fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of New Mexico in 1983. She is married to Steven Kanig, MD, a nephrologist and chair of the New Mexico AMA delegation.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (12:00 – 12:50 PM)
Role: Panelist Assessing the Patient Impact of Insurer Mandates: White/Brown Bagging, Step Therapy, Home Infusion, & Other Strategies
Ted Okon, MBA
Executive Director
Community Oncology Alliance
Ted Okon, MBA
Executive Director
Community Oncology Alliance
Ted Okon is a nationally recognized expert on the policy and politics of cancer care. He is quoted extensively in the press, including guest appearances on TV and radio news shows. Ted has testified before Congress on cancer issues and is frequently on Capitol Hill discussing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. Ted’s target areas of expertise include the cost of cancer treatment, health care reform, Medicare reimbursement, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), drug shortages, and the changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the United States.
Ted has dedicated his career to healthcare business and policy. He has worked for several pharmaceutical companies including Merck and Warner-Lambert, now part of Pfizer, and IMS Health. He co-founded and took public the health care information business Medical Marketing Group. He also founded two oncology companies (an oncology clinical research network and an information network) and has traveled extensively to China, India, Singapore, the U.K., and the Middle East, analyzing and discussing cancer care delivery.
As executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Ted oversees the strategic direction of this non-profit organization dedicated to patients and providers in the community cancer care setting, under the direction of a dedicated board of oncologists and practice administrators. Ted also travels the country speaking to state oncology societies, professional organizations, and companies about the challenges facing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. He has authored numerous articles and studies relating to cancer care policy and politics, reimbursement, and clinical issues.
Ted holds a BS degree from Fairfield University and an MBA from the Carnegie-Mellon University Tepper School of Business. His wife, Susan, practiced as a certified oncology nurse.
SESSIONS
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (2:45 – 3:35 PM)
Role: Moderator The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology & Payment Reform
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (3:10 – 4:00 PM)
Role: Panelist Is Direct Contracting the Solution? New Initiative Connecting Employers & Providers Directly in High-Quality, Affordable Cancer Care
Kathy Oubre, MS
Chief Operating Officer
Pontchartrain Cancer Center
Kathy Oubre, MS
Chief Operating Officer
Pontchartrain Cancer Center
Kathy Oubre has been the Chief Operating Officer for Pontchartrain Cancer Center since September 2005. In this role, she provides non-clinical leadership for all aspects of the practice, including financial counseling, policy/procedure development, billing, nutrition programs and survivorship care. Kathy is currently overseeing the newest addition to PCC – the integration of clinical trials for individuals looking to receive access to new treatment options for cancer or blood disorders.
After graduating from Louisiana State University, Kathy received her Master of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is the President of the Coalition of Hematology and Oncology Practices (CHOP), President-Elect of the Louisiana Medical Group Managers Association (MGMA) and President of MGMA Northlake Chapter. Kathy is also the Advisory Board President for You Night Empowering Events which is a year-round cancer survivorship program for women. Other memberships include the Association of Community Cancer Centers, Medical Group Managers Association, Community Oncology Alliance, and the Junior League of Greater Covington (past board member.) Kathy was also the co-chair for the 2015 Relay for Life in East St. Tammany.
Kashyap Patel, is the CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates. Dr. Patel is a full time practicing medical oncologist, board certified in Hematology, Oncology, and Internal Medicine. He is vice president for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). He is also chairman of the newly formed Biosimilars committee for the COA. He is a chairman for the clinical affairs and trustee for the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC). He is also a member of the CPC committee for the ASCO. He has been an advisor for the large payers including DHHS (SC), Palmetto GBA. He also serves on and advisory board for Medicaid HMOs. He has a special interest in health care policy and economics and the end of life care. He recently joined International oncology network as medical director. He has expertise in Value Based Care and has successfully led Oncology Care Model pilots with two payers including with CMMI (new division of CMS).
Dr. Patel is the Associate Editor in Chief for the AJMC and Evidence Based Oncology. He is a certified trainer for physicians “Education in Palliative and End of life Care” and has been a speaker at several different CME events. He is involved in healthcare economics and is working with major commercial payer on AAPM. He is also contractor medical director for Palmetto GBA (consultant). He is past president of the South Carolina Oncology Society. He has been working directly with cancer patients for the last twenty years. He has served as chairman of several committees in numerous South Carolina hospitals. He has had extensive research experience in the field of oncology and have published and presented articles in journals (nationally and internationally) and has had research merit awards for research in cancer including ASCO merit awards during fellowship.
Dr. Patel has extensive legislative experience both at the local and national level. He has testified in state senate as well as has carried out capitol hill briefing on precision medicine. He has also carried out senate and congressional staff briefing on multiple issues.
Vice President, Medical Oncologist, Hematologist
Texas Oncology
Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA
Vice President, Medical Oncologist, Hematologist
Texas Oncology
Dr. Debra Patt is a practicing oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, and a vice president of Texas Oncology with responsibilities in healthcare policy and strategic initiatives. She is an active leader in breast cancer research, serves on the US Oncology Research breast cancer committee, and chairs the breast cancer subsection of the pathways task force for The US Oncology Network as well as the leader locally for breast cancer research. She has expertise in healthcare policy and has testified before Congress to protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. She is a leader in clinical cancer informatics, and is involved in system innovations to enhance care delivery. She is the Editor In Chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology-Clinical Cancer Informatics.
She led healthcare informatics for The US Oncology Network from 2008-2015 and continues to lead analytics as a medical director for McKesson Specialty Health. In addition to a substantial background in informatics and health economics and outcomes research, she directs public policy for Texas Oncology. Nationally, she is the past-chair of ASCO’s clinical practice committee and serves on ASCO’s nominating committee as well as the health IT work group and guidelines committees.
Dr. Patt serves on the national board for the Community Oncology Alliance and local board of The Shivers Cancer Foundation. She serves on the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Legislation and frequently speaks on healthcare policy at the state and federal level. She is a past chair for the Texas Medical Association’s committee on cancer and has served on the council on science and public health. She is a former board member of Komen Austin and the breast cancer resource center. Dr. Patt is a nationally recognized leader in cancer research, has published many articles, and leads the service line for breast health services for the Dell Medical School in addition to leading multidisciplinary breast cancer conferences and directing breast cancer services for the Seton Family of Hospitals.
Education Dr. Patt completed her training in hematology and medical oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, in July 2006. She completed her masters of public health at The University of Texas Health Science Center’s School of Public Health in Houston, Texas, in May 2006, where she focused on cancer health policy. She completed the Cancer Prevention Program as well at the National Cancer Institute in August 2005.
She received her medical degree in May 1999 from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She completed her residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, in July 2003. She completed her bachelor of science in zoology in May 1995 at The University of Texas in Austin where she graduated with special honors in the Plan I honors program. She also received her MBA from The University of Texas in Austin, Texas, in 2014. She is completing her PhD in health economics and health services research at The University of Texas School of Public Health.
SESSION
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (2:45 – 3:35 PM)
Role: Panelist The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology & Payment Reform
Alti Rahman, MHA, MBA
Practice Administrator
Oncology Consultants
Alti Rahman, MHA, MBA
Practice Administrator
Oncology Consultants
Alti Rahman is the Practice Administrator for Oncology Consultants in Houston, Texas. He holds a dual Masters degree in Healthcare and Business Administration from the University of Houston and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).
Oncology Consultants has 17 physicians, 4 advanced practitioners operating out of 9 full-service Medical Oncology offices including a large International Cancer Center located in the Texas Medical Center. Ancillary services include 2 Radiation Oncology office, 2 Diagnostic Imaging centers, 3 Retail Pharmacy’s, and Clinical Research programs all supported by a central administrative office.
Alti’s business strategies focus on continuous quality and risk assessment of the patient/physician relationship and the advancement of value-based payment models to align quality and economic objectives. Alti holds additional supplementary roles including Six Sigma course instructor for Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Steering Committee Member for McKesson Specialty Health, Treasurer for the National Cancer Care Alliance (NCCA), Board Member of the Oncology Circle Advisory, Board Member of Coalition of Hematology and Oncology Practices (CHOP), and Co-Chair of COA (Community Oncology Alliance) – Administrator Network.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (11:05 – 11:55 AM)
Role: Panelist Applying Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in Oncology
Barry Russo, MBA
CEO
The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
Barry Russo, MBA
CEO
The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
Barry Russo, MBA, has been with The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, a private community practice based in Fort Worth, Texas, since 2002. Barry has over 25 years of healthcare experience – he has worked in academic and community practices as well as academic and community hospitals. The Center has 30 providers & over 200 employees at 11 facilities in the DFW area. The Center offers medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, gynecologic oncology, breast oncology surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, integrative medicine, imaging, laboratory services and retail pharmacy.
Barry is a current board member of QCCA & Advisory Board for the Cancer Center Business Summit (CCBS) and current member of ACCC, current member and past board member of COA and TXMGMA.
Barry has an MBA from the University of Dallas and resides in Southlake, Texas.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (11:05 – 11:55 AM)
Role: Panelist Applying Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in Oncology
Frederick M. Schnell, MD, FACP
Medical Director
Community Oncology Alliance
Frederick M. Schnell, MD, FACP
Medical Director
Community Oncology Alliance
Frederick M. Schnell, MD, FACP brings the physician perspective and practice management experience to his role as Medical Director. Dr. Schnell is helping community oncology practices address the future of oncology payment reform. The rapidly changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the United States demands insight like his to craft the future strategies for community oncology.
Board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, Dr. Schnell practiced for 34 years at Central Georgia Cancer Care where he served as CEO. His primary focus areas related to breast and genitourinary cancer.
Dr. Schnell is a past president of both COA and the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology. He is currently the Medical Director of the Georgia Center for Research and Oncology Education, a prior member of the Board of Directors of the Patient Access Network Foundation and served for eight years as a member of the Board of Directors and the Chief Clinical Officer, Cancer Clinics of Excellence. He was named the Distinguished Cancer Clinician award from the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Dr. Schnell received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University. He completed his internship and residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology, also at Emory University. Additionally, he served in the National Health Service Corps, United States Public Health Service.
His academic appointments include Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology at the Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Schnell has authored numerous studies and was a recipient of the ASCO Clinical Trials Award (ECOG affiliate), has presented at numerous oncology meetings, and was notably an invited speaker at the Korean Cancer Study Group Meeting.
SESSION
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:55 – 1:45 PM)
Role: Moderator The Employer Perspective on the State of Cancer Care & Payment Reform
Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP
Executive Director
West Cancer Center & Research Institute
Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP
Executive Director
West Cancer Center & Research Institute
Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP is the Executive Director of the West Cancer Center, a multispecialty oncology practice comprising over 50 medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, palliative care experts, radiologists and other oncology related physicians located in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Schwartzberg also serves as Professor of Medicine at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Dr. Schwartzberg received his medical degree from New York Medical College. After completing his internal medicine residency at Cornell University/North Shore University Hospital, Dr. Schwartzberg continued his training with a medical oncology and hematology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). During his tenure at MSKCC, Dr. Schwartzberg served as Chief Medical Resident and was a founding member of the institutional ethics committee.
Dr. Schwartzberg specializes in the treatment of breast cancer, with a specific research focus on new therapeutic approaches, targeted therapy, and supportive care. Dr. Schwartzberg has published more than 230 peer reviewed articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Lancet Oncology, and Annals of Oncology.
Dr. Schwartzberg was the founding editor-in-chief of the journal Community Oncology and currently serves as the editor-in-chief of the Practice Update Oncology website. He serves on the editorial board of both the Journal of Supportive Oncology and The ASCO Post, in addition to serving as a reviewer for many prominent medical journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Schwartzberg serves on the NCCN Board of Directors, the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee.
SESSION
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (3:40 – 4:30 PM)
Role: Panelist Assessing Provider Quality & Value in Cancer Care: What Should Employers & Self-Funded Companies Be Looking For?
Tom Sondergeld, MHA
Senior Consultant
TS Consulting Services
Tom Sondergeld, MHA
Senior Consultant
TS Consulting Services
Tom Sondergeld, MHA is the past Vice President of Global HRIS, Benefits & Mobility for Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). Tom has directed employee benefits for over 20 years. He has led successful implementations of wellness programs and on-site Health Centers/Services as well. In his most recent role at WBA, he was responsible for the overall HRIS Technology, healthcare & global mobility strategy for the over 357,000 global team members. He was also charged with developing an integrated disability model for the organization. Tom has spoken at many local and national events on topics ranging from HR Software solutions, Human Resources process improvement, benefit outsourcing, benefit plan design, wellness integration, and on-site health centers in the workplace. Tom holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA). He is an active member of many HR groups with SHRM, HRMAC and SHRP among them and serves on the Board of Directors for Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH) and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (2:15 – 3:05 PM)
Role: Panelist Designing & Negotiating Insurance Benefits: Best Practices for Optimal Patient Experience, Performance, & Cost Savings
Lalan Wilfong, MD
Executive Vice President
Value Based Care & Quality Programs
COA Payment Reform Co-Chair
Texas Oncology
Lalan Wilfong, MD
Executive Vice President
Value Based Care & Quality Programs
COA Payment Reform Co-Chair
Texas Oncology
Dr. Lalan Wilfong is a medical oncologist/hematologist with Texas Oncology, PA. In addition to patient care, he serves as the Executive Vice President for quality programs and value-based care for Texas Oncology and as a physician liaison for value-based care for McKesson Specialty Health.
SESSION
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (3:40 – 4:30 PM)
Role: Panelist Assessing Provider Quality & Value in Cancer Care: What Should Employers & Self-Funded Companies Be Looking For?
Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP
Chief Executive Officer, Managing Partner
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP
Chief Executive Officer, Managing Partner
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP is a board certified hematologist and oncologist at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, where he serves as CEO and managing partner.
Dr. Vacirca is the immediate past president of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), medical director for Amerisource Bergen specialty group, a Scientific Advisory Board Member for Caris Life Sciences, director at OneOncology, Director at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals and serves as a medical board advisor for Flatiron Health, located in New York City. Additionally, he is vice-chairman of the board for Odonate Therapeutics, a company he founded in 2016 which is dedicated to the development of best-in-class therapeutics that improve and extend the lives of patients with cancer. He was a recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt award for outstanding dedication to patient care and has been named in Newsday’s Top Doctors. Dr. Vacirca serves as a consulting physician for the Long Island Association for Aids Care and was honored for his role in enabling LIAAC staff to bring state of the art HIV testing to New York.
In 2014 Dr. Vacirca founded the New York Cancer Foundation, of which he is the chair of the board of directors. The Foundation provides financial assistance to patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Since its inception, the New York Cancer Foundation has helped hundreds of patients and their families with non-medical expenses including rent, mortgage, utility bills and transportation to and from treatment.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (10:10 – 11:00 AM)
Role: Moderator Biosimilar Opportunities, Challenges, & Realities
Lauren Vela, MBA
Senior Director
Pacific Business Group on Health
Lauren Vela, MBA
Senior Director
Pacific Business Group on Health
Ms. Vela is a Senior Director for the Pacific Business Group on Health (PBGH). Lauren works directly with the large purchaser members of PBGH to facilitate collaboration and to support their purchaser-driven initiatives impacting healthcare delivery in the US. In addition to translating PBGH’s ground-breaking work in transparency and accountability into workable solutions for PBGH member organizations, Lauren identifies opportunities to apply market leverage for improvement, currently focusing on the business model supporting pharmacy benefit management and low value care.
Prior to this role, Lauren was the Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Employers Forum (SVEF), a coalition of high tech employers that benchmark benefit designs and collaborate for improvement. During her SVEF tenure, Lauren systematized the group’s benchmarking practices and served as a facilitator and strategist for their joint projects with regard to both US-based and international employee benefit programs. To this day, SVEF and PBGH maintain a strategic alliance and Ms. Vela works closely with purchaser members of both groups.
Prior to the SVEF role, Ms. Vela enjoyed a twelve-year tenure with PBGH serving in three distinct areas; multi-stakeholder health information exchange, provider group organization improvement, and employer value-based purchasing.
Prior to her work with SVEF and PBGH, Ms. Vela was employed by organizations in the workers comp, TPA, and mental health fields where she held positions in product development, operations, marketing, and provider relations. Ms. Vela earned an MBA from the University of Houston and has completed all necessary coursework for her Dr.PH. with a focus on managed health care and health economics from the University of Texas.
Retired Managing Director, Health Strategy & Benefits
Delta Airlines
Lynn Zonakis, RN
Consultant
Zonakis Consultants
Retired Managing Director, Health Strategy & Benefits
Delta Airlines
Ms. Zonakis is an independent healthcare consultant, providing strategic consulting to employers, healthcare organizations, and startup companies. Her focus is on identifying innovative strategies, improving quality, and developing effective communications and marketing plans for all stakeholders.
Prior to her independent consulting, she served at Delta Airlines as Managing Director, Health Strategy & Resources from 2004-2015. She was responsible for strategy, design, and performance of Delta’s health and welfare benefits provided to Delta’s 150,000 employees, retirees, and dependents. She was also responsible for disability, absence, workers’ compensation, occupational health and EAP programs provided to Delta employees. During her fifteen years at Delta, she managed Delta’s health and welfare benefits to maximize efficiency, lower the company’s costs and provide significant value and resources for Delta employees, retirees and dependents. She is known as an innovator of employee benefit design, care management, and cancer related initiatives.
Prior to joining Delta Air Lines in 1998, Ms. Zonakis managed the Workers’ Compensation, Disability, and Occupational Health programs for the employees of a global insurance company.
As a benefits professional with broad benefits experience, Ms. Zonakis is a frequent speaker at national meetings. Recent audiences have included the National Business Group on Health, The Conference Board, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and World Health & Productivity Congress.
Ms. Zonakis is certified in occupational health and case management, and holds degrees in Psychology from Indiana University and Nursing from Emory University, Atlanta.
SESSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (2:15 – 3:05 PM)
Role: Panelist Designing & Negotiating Insurance Benefits: Best Practices for Optimal Patient Experience, Performance, & Cost Savings
Teresa Molina
Program Design Manager, Specialty Collaborative Care Cigna
Teresa Molina
Program Design Manager, Specialty Collaborative Care Cigna
Teresa joined Cigna in 2007 in the North Texas/Oklahoma Network Contracting department. She moved into the value-based care department as a Program Design Manager in 2015. As a Program Design Manager, Teresa is responsible for designing network strategies that promote affordable, predictable, and accessible quality care for our local market stakeholders. In this capacity, she has responsibility for managing the design and optimization of Cigna’s Oncology value-based care model and provider collaboration arrangements. Teresa is also currently engaged in infusion center site of care initiatives and Oncology Mind/Body initiatives.
Before joining Cigna, Teresa held various positions in Network Contracting and Provider Services with United Healthcare, Aetna, and Southwest Physician Associates.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (8:30 – 9:25 AM) Role: Panelist The NEW Oncology Medical Home (OMH) Certification & Pilot Program
Representative David Knight
Georgia House of Representatives R-Georgia
Representative David Knight
Georgia House of Representatives R-Georgia
Representative David Knight was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2004 and sworn into office in 2005. Knight proudly serves House District 130, which includes parts of Spalding, Henry and Lamar counties. He currently serves as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and the House Sportsman Caucus. His legislative duties also include service as a member of the Banks & Banking, Game, Fish & Parks, Higher Education, Rules, Small Business Development and Ways & Means committees.
Born in Warner Robbins, Rep. Knight moved to Griffin at an early age, where he was raised, and he has made Griffin his home. He attended both the University of Georgia and Augusta College, earning a degree in accounting. Rep. Knight has been a practicing certified public accountant for over 20 years and holds memberships in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accounts. He is also a member of the Griffin Rotary Club.
Rep. Knight is happily married to the former Marie Harvey from Lamar County. They are the proud parents of John David, born in 2013, and active members of the First Baptist Church of Griffin. He is an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoys sporting clays.
David was proud to lead the fight for LOWER healthcare prices in the Georgia House. He will continue to stand up to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), preventing them from standing in the way of effective care and profiting from practices that take control away from Georgia patients, doctors, and local pharmacies. David will NEVER back down from fighting for better Georgia healthcare. David Knight is a statesman, a policymaker, and a detail-oriented workhorse who is driven by the simple sense of right versus wrong. David is a roll-up-your-sleeves and get it done kind of person who holds his priorities of family, hard work and service to others as the cornerstones to success.
David helped build the Republican party as it stands today and believes now more than ever it is critical to protect our conservative ideals. He believes that when we have sound policy and focus on it for decisions, rules, and laws – everybody wins.
David grew up in Griffin and graduated from Woodward Academy, attended the University of Georgia and Augusta College where he completed his CPA Internship and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Upon graduation, he moved to Albany and then Atlanta for work before coming back to Griffin to practice accounting in 1999. He met and married his wife Marie here in Griffin in 2005 and they have one son, John David. David has a passion for the outdoors and he makes sure he finds time for hunting and fishing and passing down those traditions and hobbies to his son.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (4:45 – 5:30 PM) Role: Panelist State Leadership in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms
E. Randolph “Randy” Broun, MD
Physician Partner, Bone & Marrow Transplant Specialist OHC
E. Randolph “Randy” Broun, MD
Physician Partner, Bone & Marrow Transplant Specialist OHC
E. Randolph Broun, MD, is a medical oncologist and hematologist with OHC. Dr. Broun specializes in hematologic malignancies and bone marrow transplant.
Dr. Broun received his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri and completed his residency at Indiana University Hospitals, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Broun completed a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at the University of Texas Health Science Center and a fellowship in bone marrow transplant at Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dr. Broun is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.
Dr. Broun is a member of the board of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Southwestern Ohio, and Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Cincinnati, Ohio. He has contributed to almost 100 abstracts, articles and book chapters.
Dr. Broun is actively involved in patient advocacy at the state and national level through his work with Community Oncology Alliance.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (4:00 – 4:40 PM) Role: Panelist Analysis: Are Biosimilars Meeting the Promise of Increasing Competition & Lowering Cancer Drug Costs?
Michael Diaz, MD
Director of Patient Advocacy & Assistant Managing Physician Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Michael Diaz, MD
Director of Patient Advocacy & Assistant Managing Physician Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Dr. Michael Diaz joined Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) in 2011 and is currently the Assistant Managing Physician for the statewide practice. He serves on the FCS Executive Board and as Director of Patient Advocacy for the practice. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Diaz provides leadership for a number of organizations, including serving as Chair of the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Board of Directors, which offers non-medical financial assistance to qualified cancer patients in Florida.
He serves as the Director of Patient Advocacy and Federal Legislative Committee Chair for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO), as well as being a Past President. Dr. Diaz advocates nationally for cancer patients and practices as the Immediate Past President of Community Oncology Alliance (COA) as well as the Co-Chair for the practices reform workgroup, which develops quality and value based alternative payments models.
He advocates for Florida Medicaid patients by serving on the Florida Medicaid Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee to ensure access to state of the art, quality-based care, and advises the Florida Governor’s office and State Legislature by serving on the Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council. Dr. Diaz is on the Board of Directors for the National Cancer Treatment Alliance, which works with regional/national employers as well as their health care coalitions to improve the understanding of quality and value-based cancer care and develop collaborative programs related to cancer care. Dr. Diaz also serves on the FCS Finance Committee.
As a part of his philanthropic commitment, Dr. Diaz is dedicated to providing medical care to populations who are underserved and has participated in numerous medical missions to Kingston, Jamaica.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (12:00 – 12:55 PM) Role: Panelist Welcome & Rapid-Fire Review of the State of Oncology Reform
Rachel DuPré Brodie
Senior Director, Measurement & Accountability Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH)
Rachel DuPré Brodie
Senior Director, Measurement & Accountability Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH)
Rachel Brodie, Senior Director, Measurement & Accountability, leads multi-stakeholder initiatives to advance healthcare quality and put performance information to use for payment and decision-making. She is leading an initiative to demonstrate the feasibility and impact of collecting and using outcome measures to support value-based contracting and payment and develop methods to address barriers to collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs). She leads several measurement and reporting collaboratives, including the Patient Assessment Survey which measures patient-reported experience of medical groups. Rachel managed the California Joint Replacement Registry which reported results of hip and knee replacement surgeries, including PROs. She has served on several technical committees for CMS, NQF, AHRQ, ASCO and IHA. She received a BA from Princeton University.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (12:30 – 1:10 PM) Role: Panelist Measuring the Patient Experience & Outcomes in Cancer Care
A. Mark Fendrick, MD
Director, Center for Value-Based Insurance Design University of Michigan
A. Mark Fendrick, MD
Director, Center for Value-Based Insurance Design University of Michigan
Dr. A. Mark Fendrick is the Center’s Director and a Professor of Internal Medicine in the School of Medicine and a Professor of Health Management and Policy in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. Dr. Fendrick received a bachelor’s degree in economics and chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania where he was a fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program.
Dr. Fendrick conceptualized and coined the term Value-Based Insurance Design (V-BID) and currently directs the V-BID Center at the University of Michigan, the leading advocate for development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative health benefit plans. His research focuses on how clinician payment and consumer engagement initiatives impact access to care, quality of care, and health care costs. Dr. Fendrick has authored over 250 articles and book chapters and has received numerous awards for the creation and implementation of value-based insurance design. His perspective and understanding of clinical and economic issues have fostered collaborations with numerous government agencies, health plans, professional societies, and health care companies.
Dr. Fendrick is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine (formerly IOM), serves on the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee, and has been invited to present testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel.
Dr. Fendrick is the co-editor in chief of the American Journal of Managed Care and is an editorial board member for 3 additional peer-reviewed publications. He is also a member of the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan, where he remains clinically active in the practice of general internal medicine.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (9:30 – 10:15 AM) Role: Presenter Is There a Practical Role for Value-Based Insurance (V-BID) in Cancer Care?
Nicolas Ferreyros
Director of Communications Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
Nicolas Ferreyros
Director of Communications Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
Nicolas Ferreyros is Director of Communications at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), the only national organization dedicated solely to preserving and protecting local, affordable, and accessible cancer care. He is responsible for all internal and external communications at COA, including media relations, policy communications, and digital strategy.
A seasoned advocacy and communications strategist with more than 15 years of experience in health care, Nick specializes in developing successful campaigns to address complex issues. He has a deep understanding of the people and processes that affect America’s health care system and has a knack for translating the “wonkery” of health policy into language and concepts that resonate with policymakers, providers, patients, and voters.
Nick has engaged in nearly every major recent health policy issue before Congress and regulatory agencies, including the Affordable Care Act, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, Medicare reimbursement policy, and more. He has worked closely with policymakers on Capitol Hill, the White House, the Department of Health & Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and National Institutes of Health. Nick’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CBS Evening News, National Public Radio, and other leading national news outlets.
Prior to joining COA, Nick was a Managing Supervisor at GYMR Public Relations, a boutique Washington, DC communications firm specializing in health care, science, and social issues. While there, he oversaw high-profile, award-winning campaigns for clients including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Board of Internal Medicine, Consumer Reports, and numerous federal agencies.
A native of Houston, Texas, Nick earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He currently resides in New York City.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (4:45 – 5:30 PM) Role: Moderator State Leadership in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms
Aharon “Ronny” Gal, PhD
Founder Moto Bioadvisors
Aharon “Ronny” Gal, PhD
Founder Moto Bioadvisors
Aharon “Ronny” Gal is the founder of Moto Bioadvisors, a consulting team focused on the drug/drug channels space. In addition to consulting, Ronny is a senior analyst at the research firm Sanford Bernstein covering US Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology. Mr. Gal prior jobs included Canon and the Boston Consulting Group. Ronny was awarded a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and holds a BSc from Emory University.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (1:00 – 1:40 PM) Role: Presenter Study: Are Hospitals Fueling the Cost of Cancer Care?
Bo Gamble
Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
Bo Gamble
Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
In his current position with COA, Bo Gamble has been responsible for the development of the principles and metrics associated with the Oncology Medical Home (OMH) program. Working with COA members and payers, the OMH program was developed in 2012 and participating practices began using this practice model immediately.
Robert “Bo” Gamble joined the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) in May 2011 as the Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives. Mr. Gamble brings a diverse range of cancer practice expertise at the national and local levels. His extensive experience includes 13 years’ experience as administrator at a multi-physician, multi-location oncology practice, and medical IT consulting to Big Eight accounting firms. Prior to that, he served in various health care capacities as an independent consultant for hospital patient accounting and IT implementation projects, National Director of Client Support for a health care software company, and business office manager for a 300+ bed hospital. He got his beginning as a hospital orderly during his college years.
Bo has also served as the President and Legislative Chairperson for the North Carolina Oncology Practice Management Society, a member of the COA Board of Directors, and the co-chair of the national COA Administrators’ Network. Bo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Health Care Management from Appalachian State University.
SESSIONS Monday, October 25, 2021 (12:00 – 12:55 PM) Role: Moderator Welcome & Rapid-Fire Review of the State of Oncology Reform
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (12:30 – 1:10 PM) Role: Moderator Measuring the Patient Experience & Outcomes in Cancer Care
Stephen Grubbs, MD, FASCO
Vice President, Care Delivery American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Stephen Grubbs, MD, FASCO
Vice President, Care Delivery American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Dr. Stephen S. Grubbs joined the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in July 2015 as Vice President of the Care Delivery Department after 31 years as a practicing medical oncologist in Newark, Delaware at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. He served as managing partner of his independent medical practice, Medical Oncology Hematology Consultants, PA.
The ASCO Care Delivery department supports practicing oncologists both domestically and internationally through ASCO quality programs, practice business intelligence and support, payment reform and value-based care delivery design, practice education, and support of ASCO advocacy.
He is a chemical engineering graduate of Purdue University and graduate of the Thomas Jefferson University Medical School. Medical postgraduate training in Internal Medicine was completed at the Medical Center of Delaware and Hematology and Oncology at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
He served as the Principal Investigator of the Delaware Christiana Care NCORP and Board member of the NCI sponsored Alliance cooperative research group. He remains a member for the Alliance Foundation Board and Executive Committee. He is a member of the state of Delaware Cancer Consortium Council and the Early Detection and Prevention Committee. He is a past member of the ASCO Board of Directors as well as the Ethics, Finance, Research, and Government Relations Committees and past president of the Medical Society of Delaware.
Dr. Grubbs has served as a member of the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Advisory Committee, co-chair of the Clinical Trials Subcommittee of the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP), and the Institute of Medicine Committee on Cancer Clinical Trials and the NCI Cooperative Group Program.
He has been an active community based clinical trial investigator with the NCI sponsored CALGB, ECOG, NSABP, and Alliance Cooperative Groups since 1984 and is the recipient of the 2007 Association of Community Cancer Centers David King Community Clinical Scientist Award.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (8:30 – 9:25 AM) Role: Panelist The NEW Oncology Medical Home (OMH) Certification & Pilot Program
Andrew Hertler, MD, FACP
Chief Medical Officer New Century Health
Andrew Hertler, MD, FACP
Chief Medical Officer New Century Health
Dr. Andrew Hertler, as the Chief Medical Officer of New Century Health, is responsible for the advancement of the company’s clinical quality initiatives, value-based strategies, and utilization management policies and operations. A board-certified oncologist who left clinical practice in 2014, he is a nationally recognized leader in oncology clinical practice. Dr. Hertler is a past member of several American Society of Clinical Oncology committees, including the Clinical Practice, Quality of Care and Payment Reform Committees.
Prior to joining the New Century Health in 2014, Dr. Hertler was the Administrative Medical Director for Physician Practices at Maine General Medical Center and the Medical Director of the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta, Maine. He is a past president of the Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society. Earlier in his career, Dr. Hertler was Assistant Professor of Medicine in Hematology / Oncology at the Louisiana State University Medical School.
Dr. Hertler received his medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at University of Michigan affiliated hospitals. He later completed a Fellowship in Medical Oncology / Hematology at Duke University Medical Center. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with highest honors from Dartmouth College.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (3:15 – 3:55 PM) Role: Moderator Prior Authorization: Clinical Oversight or Obstacles to Care?
Gary Kay, MD
Medical Oncologist Northwest Oncology & Hematology, S.C.
Gary Kay, MD
Medical Oncologist Northwest Oncology & Hematology, S.C.
Dr. Gary Kay has been a practicing Medical Oncologist with Northwest Oncology & Hematology, S.C., an independent pure sub-specialty group in suburban Chicago, for over 33 years. Currently, he serves as its President and Managing Partner. A graduate of the Duke University School of Medicine, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Colorado and his fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Kay is a member of COA’s national Board of Directors.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (3:15 – 3:55 PM) Role: Panelist Prior Authorization: Clinical Oversight or Obstacles to Care?
Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq.
Founding Partner Frier Levitt, LLC
Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq.
Founding Partner Frier Levitt, LLC
Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq., co-founded the boutique Healthcare law firm of Frier Levitt, LLC in 2000. Frier Levitt enjoys a national foothold in Life Sciences and Healthcare. Beginning with a 2003 nationwide class action of independent pharmacies, Jonathan began his journey to both understand all aspects of the drug space and develop skills relevant to multiple stakeholders. Frier Levitt has grown to more than 35 Healthcare-focused attorneys, including clinician attorneys, with offices in New York City and Pine Book, New Jersey.
At Frier Levitt, Jonathan has dedicated his practice to representing pharmacies, physician-dispensers, national provider associations, manufacturers, wholesalers, and plan sponsors. He has an established track record of challenging abusive practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and speaks at Life Sciences conferences across the country in an effort to share his firm’s specialized knowledge. Jonathan is the author of the LinkedIn Group “Hot Topics in Pharmacy Law” and has been published in internationally circulated publications. He commits himself to pro bono and public service assignments.
For the last 13 years, Jonathan’s peers have elected him as a Super Lawyer. Jonathan is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. Jonathan has competed in triathlons, including the 2012 New York Ironman U.S. Championships, as well as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (2:30 – 3:10 PM) Role: Presenter Increasing Impact of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) on Cancer Care
Barbara L. McAneny, MD
Chief Executive Officer New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd.
Barbara L. McAneny, MD
Chief Executive Officer New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd.
Barbara L. McAneny, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist/hematologist from Albuquerque, N.M., became the 173rd president of the American Medical Association in June 2018. She has been a member of the AMA Board of Trustees since June 2010, serving as its chair in 2015–2016.
Dr. McAneny is a fellow and former member of the board of directors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and a past president of the New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS), the Greater Albuquerque Medical Association and the New Mexico chapter of the American College of Physicians. In addition, she has served as a member of the Community Oncology Alliance Board of Trustees and on the board of directors of the Cancer Center Business Summit. She became the delegate to the AMA from ASCO in 2002, and was elected to the AMA Council on Medical Service in 2003, serving as its chair in 2009–2010.
Dr. McAneny is the founder and current chair of the board of the National Cancer Care Alliance, a group of independent practices collaborating to use innovation to deliver high-quality, high-value cancer care and to develop new alternative payment models based on sound data-driven principles. Prior to this, she was a founding member of Oncology Circle, a group of oncology practices using data to promote best practices.
Dr. McAneny’s interest in using data to improve practice sustainability began when she was appointed to the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Service’s Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, where she served from 2002 to 2006. In 2012 Dr. McAneny received a $19.8 million grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation to demonstrate how oncology practices could use triage pathways to dramatically lower costs while improving outcomes. This award, named COME HOME (for Community Oncology Medical Home), later was incorporated into Medicare’s Oncology Care Model. Innovative Oncology Business Solutions Inc., the company she created to manage the award, is now assisting physician practices in developing the process changes needed for MACRA.
Among other volunteer activities, she has served on the governor of New Mexico’s Task Force on Prenatal Care, the board of Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, and as chair of the joint task force of the NMMS and the New Mexico Bar Association on domestic violence. A recipient of a New Mexico Woman on the Move Award in 2005 and Woman of Influence Award in 2009, Dr. McAneny has been voted several times by her peers as Albuquerque The Magazine’s “Top Doc” in her specialty.
Dr. McAneny also co-founded New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants Ltd. in 1987 with Clark Haskins, MD. A managing partner since 1999, she built New Mexico Cancer Center as the first physician-owned multi-disciplinary cancer center in the state with clinics in Albuquerque and Gallup. She also founded the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, which provides grants to help patients with non-medical expenses.
Dr. McAneny graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and with honors from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1977.
She completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Iowa in 1980 and her fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of New Mexico in 1983. She is married to Steven Kanig, MD, a nephrologist and chair of the New Mexico AMA delegation.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (1:15 – 2:00 PM) Role: Panelist Understanding & Addressing Disparities in Cancer Care: A Frank Conversation
Elizabeth Mitchell
President, Chief Executive Officer Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH)
Elizabeth Mitchell
President, Chief Executive Officer Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH)
Elizabeth Mitchell is President and CEO of the Pacific Business Group on Health (PBGH), a 501c (3) non-profit organization representing 40 of the largest public and private purchasers of health care services in the country who collectively spend $100 billion on health care annually for 15 million employees and their families. As leader of PBGH, Mitchell advances the organization’s strategic focus areas of redesigning care delivery, driving affordability and optimizing health care markets, leveraging her extensive experience working with health care purchasers, providers, policymakers and payers to improve health care quality and cost.
SESSIONS Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (10:20 – 11:10 AM) Role: Panelist Direct Contracting in Oncology
Glen Balasky
Executive Director Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
Glen Balasky
Executive Director Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
In May of 2014, Glenn Balasky joined Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) as the Executive Director for this progressive 55 physician multi-specialty oncology group. He has over 21 years of experience in oncology practice operations and management and has been involved in healthcare for his entire career.
Prior to joining RMCC his most recent positions included a Director of Marketing position at Cardinal Health and 10 years as Executive Director at The Zangmeister Center in Columbus, OH. There he helped another leading oncology group build a stand-alone cancer center putting a broad variety of cancer services under one roof for the first time in central Ohio.
Glenn has experience in several areas of oncology practice management including electronic medical records, pharmacy, and practice operations. He has made presentations at several national meetings on the business of oncology and has been to Washington D.C. numerous times to work with congressional representatives on cancer related issues.
Glenn is like all of us and has seen family members and friends pass away due to cancer. His commitment to making cancer care better at RMCC comes through his ability to identify complex problems and find solutions to solve the problems. He believes that everyone is an important part of the team at RMCC and has an equally important role in helping patients through their healthcare journey.
He is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. Outside of work he enjoys running, cycling, and skiing and is very proud of the accomplishments of his wife and his two adult children.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM) Role: Panelist Increasing Engagement of Self-Insured Employers in Oncology Contracting
Ted Okon, MBA
Executive Director Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
Ted Okon, MBA
Executive Director Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
Ted Okon is a nationally recognized expert on the policy and politics of cancer care. He is quoted extensively in the press, including guest appearances on TV and radio news shows. Ted has testified before Congress on cancer issues and is frequently on Capitol Hill discussing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. Ted’s target areas of expertise include the cost of cancer treatment, health care reform, Medicare reimbursement, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), drug shortages, and the changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the United States.
Ted has dedicated his career to healthcare business and policy. He has worked for several pharmaceutical companies including Merck and Warner-Lambert, now part of Pfizer, and IMS Health. He co-founded and took public the health care information business Medical Marketing Group. He also founded two oncology companies (an oncology clinical research network and an information network) and has traveled extensively to China, India, Singapore, the U.K., and the Middle East, analyzing and discussing cancer care delivery.
As executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Ted oversees the strategic direction of this non-profit organization dedicated to patients and providers in the community cancer care setting, under the direction of a dedicated board of oncologists and practice administrators. Ted also travels the country speaking to state oncology societies, professional organizations, and companies about the challenges facing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. He has authored numerous articles and studies relating to cancer care policy and politics, reimbursement, and clinical issues.
Ted holds a BS degree from Fairfield University and an MBA from the Carnegie-Mellon University Tepper School of Business. His wife, Susan, practiced as a certified oncology nurse.
SESSIONS Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (10:20 – 11:10 AM) Role: Panelist Direct Contracting in Oncology
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (2:05 – 3:00 PM) Role: Presenter Where is CMS & Its Innovation Center with Oncology Payment Reform?
Bryan Loy, MD
Physician Lead, Oncology, Laboratory, & Personalized Medicine Humana
Bryan Loy, MD
Physician Lead, Oncology, Laboratory, & Personalized Medicine Humana
Bryan Loy MD, MBA is an industry recognized physician executive. He is a corporate medical director for Humana, a Fortune 100 health plan. Board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology as well as hematology, Bryan currently provides clinical leadership for Humana cancer initiatives. He has produced quality and value initiatives in collaboration with industry partners. He has over a decade of oncology leadership and partnership that has yielded over $1B in aggregate savings. He also co-founded, Cohere Health, Inc., a company devoted to reducing administrative burden for orthopedists and other specialists while improving the member experience.
A nationally recognized speaker and panelist, he routinely presents on innovative cancer initiatives, the evolving landscape of health care delivery and population health initiatives. He’s helped multiple 100000+ member employer groups understand medical costs and created strategies to improve quality of care and value while improving the member experience. He is co-chair for a large public-private partnership using population health technology and community collective impact to improve referral processes to agencies and resources that address social determinants of health.
He has 20+ years of payer experience in evaluating drugs and biologics, medical devices, laboratory tests and innovations including both effectiveness and payment across a wide variety of medical specialties. He is well experienced in accelerating the appropriate adoption of new technology. He is an oncology and laboratory subject matter expert for pharmacy and therapeutics committees, policy development committees and government agencies. He works with the nation’s most prominent commercial labs and specialty groups to implement quality initiatives in all 50 states. He collaborates directly with industry-leading specialists and practices as well as advocates committed to improving the patient experience.
In previous roles, he has served as a medical director for a multi-state Medicare contractor and as Chief Medical Officer for an innovative lab focused on tailoring treatment for breast and ovarian cancer patients.
He continues to research and publish in recognized journals in areas of quality and care improvement.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (3:15 – 3:55 PM) Role: Panelist Prior Authorization: Clinical Oversight or Obstacles to Care?
Kathy Oubre, MS
Chief Operating Officer Pontchartrain Cancer Center
Kathy Oubre, MS
Chief Operating Officer Pontchartrain Cancer Center
Kathy W. Oubre is the Chief Operating Officer for Pontchartrain Cancer Center in Louisiana.
Kathy is a COA Board member and co-chairs the Biosimilars committee and serves on the COA Government Affairs committee. She also serves on the ION Panel as well as their government affairs and biosimilar committees. Kathy serves on the editorial boards for The Center for Biosimilars and the Journal of Evidence-Based Managed Care. Kathy also chairs the NCODA Oncology Institute and the bone marrow registry – Be the Match.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (4:00 – 4:40 PM) Role: Panelist Analysis: Are Biosimilars Meeting the Promise of Increasing Competition & Lowering Cancer Drug Costs?
Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA
Vice President Texas Oncology, US Oncology
Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA
Vice President Texas Oncology, US Oncology
Dr. Debra Patt is a practicing oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, and an executive vice president of Texas Oncology with responsibilities in healthcare policy and strategic initiatives. She is an active leader in breast cancer and research in healthcare informatics.
Dr. Patt has responsibility for breast cancer research in Austin and leads our multidisciplinary tumor boards for breast cancer.
As an expert in healthcare policy, she has testified before Congress to protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. She chairs the Council on Legislation for the Texas Medical Association and works to formulate responsible healthcare policy that improves the health of Texans. She serves as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics, and drives engagement in clinical informatics solutions to enhance healthcare. Her research is in clinical decision support, predictive analytics, telemedicine, HEOR, tools for patient symptom management and quality improvement.
Within Texas Oncology, she serves on the payer relations, marketing, telemedicine, strategy, policy, management executive, marketing, and revenue cycle committees.
She is the past-chair of ASCO’s clinical practice committee and served on ASCO’s nominating committee for the ASCO Board and the Conquer Cancer Foundation as well as the health IT work group, EHR, technology, and data requirements workgroup, and guidelines committees.
Dr. Patt serves as the President of the Texas Society of Clinical Oncology, the Secretary for the Community Oncology Alliance and serves locally on the Austin Healthcare Council, Shivers Board, and formerly on the board of Komen and the Breast Cancer Resource Center.
She lectures medical students and is a clinical Professor at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (4:45 – 5:30 PM) Role: Panelist State Leadership in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms
Alti Rahman, MHA, MBA, CSSBB
Practice Administrator Oncology Consultants
Alti Rahman, MHA, MBA, CSSBB
Practice Administrator Oncology Consultants
Alti is the Practice Administrator for Oncology Consultants. He holds a dual Masters degree in Healthcare and Business Administration from the University of Houston and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).
Oncology Consultant’s has 14 Medical Oncology offices. Ancillary services include 2 Radiation Oncology office, 2 Diagnostic Imaging centers, 3 Retail Pharmacies, and Clinical Research programs all supported by a central administrative office.
Alti holds additional supplementary roles including: Six Sigma course instructor for Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Board Member of COA (Community Oncology Alliance)-Administrator Network, Treasurer for the National Cancer Care Alliance (NCCA), Steering Committee Member for McKesson Specialty Health, Board Member of the Oncology Circle Advisory, and Vice President and Treasurer of the Coalition of Hematology and Oncology Practices (CHOP).
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (1:15 – 2:00 PM) Role: Moderator Understanding & Addressing Disparities in Cancer Care: A Frank Conversation
Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA
Medical Director, Value Based Care Tennessee Oncology & OneOncology
President Tennessee Oncology Practice Society
Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA
Medical Director, Value Based Care Tennessee Oncology & OneOncology
President Tennessee Oncology Practice Society
Dr. Stephen Schleicher is a clinical oncologist with a special interest in health policy and alternative payment models. Previous consultant at McKinsey and Company. Trained at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering and received MBA from Harvard.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (4:45 – 5:30 PM) Role: Panelist State Leadership in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms
Lalan Wilfong, MD
Vice President, Payer Relations & Practice Transformation McKesson Specialty Health
Lalan Wilfong, MD
Vice President, Payer Relations & Practice Transformation McKesson Specialty Health
Dr. Wilfong is Vice President of Payer Relations and Practice Transformation at McKesson and a practicing medical oncologist/hematologist, seeing patients at Texas Oncology locations in Dallas. Prior to this role, he served as Vice President of Value Based Care and Quality programs at Texas Oncology and led the launch and implementation of the Oncology Care Model. He also served as medical director of Texas Oncology’s COVID-19 Task Force and was the physician lead for their electronic medical record conversion.
A committed advocate for community oncology, Dr. Wilfong’s focus is transforming cancer care to deliver better outcomes to patients by aligning patient goals and values with treatment options. In his role at McKesson, his priorities are helping define the future of value-based care payment reform, improving patient/physician communications, enhancing end of life care, integrating pathways into clinical practice and improving patient satisfaction.
He previously led the Value Based Physician Champion task force for The US Oncology Network and served as chair of the US Oncology Pathways Task Force. He volunteers on the ASCO quality measures task force and the ASCO guidelines committee. He has been honored to receive various teaching and community service awards.
In 2003, Dr. Wilfong completed a fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in hematology and medical oncology. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas in 2000. He earned his M.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas in 1997. He earned a B.S. degree in mathematics at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in 1993.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (12:00 – 12:55 PM) Role: Panelist Welcome & Rapid-Fire Review of the State of Oncology Reform
Lynn Kay Winters
Chief Quality & Learning Officer New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
Lynn Kay Winters
Chief Quality & Learning Officer New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
Lynn Kay Winters began her career in healthcare as an oncology practice administrator on the east end of Long Island. Acknowledging the need to keep pace with the growing needs of the practice, she completed an MBA in Ambulatory Group Management at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN. She achieved a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) designation from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).
After joining New York Cancer & Blood Specialists in 2016, Lynn Kay began project management in National Committee for Quality Assurance to bring practice recognition in the Patient-Centered Speciality Practice (NCQA-PCSP) realm Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) management.
Lynn Kay holds the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) designation and is an ASQ Certified SixSigma Green Belt.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (12:30 – 1:10 PM) Role: Panelist Measuring the Patient Experience & Outcomes in Cancer Care
Dennis Zoet
Chief Business Development Officer Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, P.C.
Dennis Zoet
Chief Business Development Officer Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, P.C.
Dennis Zoet brings more than 20 years of customer operations experience as well as on-going involvement in building technology-centric solutions to serve customers locally and at a distance. Mr. Zoet is currently the Chief Business Development Officer for Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, P.C. In this role Mr. Zoet leads and oversees all aspects of the Oncology Care Model (OCM), the Oncology Medical Home, CHCWM’s Phase II & III clinical trials, the robust phase I early phase drug development program START Midwest, many other payer and practice wide initiatives, as well as all technology, the electronic medical record system and human resources. CHCWM is Michigan’s largest private oncology practice with five primary clinical locations, 25 physicians, 52 APP’s and over 450 employees.
Prior roles include serving as Chief Operating Officer for Intervention Insights; a personalized medicine information company, servicing organizations that help patients fighting cancer. Additional experience includes serving as COO for Christian Schools International, by helping establish a world class e‐commerce and support environment serving more than 500 member schools throughout North America. He has also served in leadership roles at IdeaSphere, Inc. and Davenport University.
Mr. Zoet is a West Michigan native, holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor’s in Marketing from Davenport University.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (8:30 – 9:25 AM) Role: Panelist The NEW Oncology Medical Home (OMH) Certification & Pilot Program
Melissa Austin
Supervisor Revenue Cycle Cancer Care Centers of Brevard
Melissa Austin
Supervisor Revenue Cycle Cancer Care Centers of Brevard
Melissa Austin has more than 20 years of healthcare experience. Her career started with a multi-specialty practice in the early 2000’s where she worked in both the clinical and administrative setting. In 2014 her focus turned to Oncology care. Her passion is Financial Counseling and helping to provide patients with access to affordable, quality healthcare. Melissa has an Associates Degree in Science obtained from Florida Metropolitan University. She lives in Brevard County and enjoys spending her free time with her son.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (3:15–3:55 PM) Role: Panelist Prior Authorization: Clinical Oversight or Obstacles to Care?
Amy King
Administrator Nebraska Hematology-Oncology
Amy King
Administrator Nebraska Hematology-Oncology
Amy King is the Administrator at Nebraska Hematology-Oncology, P.C. (NHO), in Lincoln, Nebraska and has served in that role for over 20 years. She currently serves as President of the Midwest Oncology Practice Society and along with some of her providers, has played an active role in the development of One Health Nebraska, an Independent Physician Organization which supports growth for physician independence with a focus on value-based medicine.
When asked to participate in the new Oncology Medical Home Certification and Pilot Program, Amy knew that it was the right time for her team to commit. NHO was the first QOPI certified practice in the state of Nebraska and they have been consistently working on many of the standards highlighted in the new OMH. Their participation in the Pilot was a big step toward an even higher level of high-quality, cost-effective cancer care for their patients.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (8:30 – 9:25 AM) Role: Panelist The NEW Oncology Medical Home (OMH) Certification & Pilot Program
Susan Sabo-Wagner, RN, BSN, OCN
Clinical Director, Oncology Consultants
Susan Sabo-Wagner, RN, BSN, OCN
Clinical Director, Oncology Consultants
Susan is the Clinical Director at Oncology Consultants in Houston, TX. She has helped develop and implement innovative clinical strategies and policies that lead to the growth of Oncology Consultants, a 14-site community-based Hematology/Oncology practice in Houston and Corpus Christi. Susan has written and created nursing and clinical operation protocols for all levels of oncology staff. She establishes an appropriate framework and oversight including input into strategy, prioritization, resourcing, reviews, and decision making to maximize the probability of achieving the on time and on budget delivery of oncology clinical programs
Susan has dedicated time to patient advocacy and health disparities, especially as they relate to cancer management and care. She currently sits on The University of Houston C.T Bauer College of Business, Women in Leadership Advisory Panel, and the Foundation for Cancer Support. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and will graduate with a Master’s in Nursing Administration in 2022 from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has been Certified in Oncology Nursing for 14 years.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (1:15 – 2:00 PM) Role: Panelist Understanding & Addressing Disparities in Cancer Care: A Frank Conversation
Patrick Davish
Associate Vice-President, Merck & Co., Inc.
Patrick Davish
Associate Vice-President, Merck & Co., Inc.
Patrick Davish is currently Associate Vice President for Global Market Access at Merck. In that capacity, Patrick leads the organization responsible for the pricing and reimbursement of Merck’s medicines and vaccines globally. This includes U.S. pricing and reimbursement policy, strategy and operations. Patrick speaks frequently on topics related to U.S. and global health care, pharmaceutical pricing, policy and access.
Patrick joined Merck in 1993 in the Merck Legal Department where he concentrated principally on U.S. pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement and FDA regulation. Since that time, he has also held positions of increasing responsibility within Merck’s Office of Federal Policy, Merck’s Communications and External Affairs unit, Economic Affairs unit, and Global Market Access organization. Before joining Merck, Patrick worked as an associate at the Ballard Spahr and Dilworth Paxson law firms in Philadelphia with a specialty in health care law.
Patrick is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, magna cum laude and the Harvard Law School.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (1:45 – 2:25 PM) Role: Panelist Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Drug Pricing Transparency
Marcus Garcia
Senior Director Payer & Strategy Relations, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
Marcus Garcia
Senior Director Payer & Strategy Relations Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
Marcus Garcia is a dedicated healthcare executive with an extensive background within the fields of healthcare and health insurance: strategic planning; network development; building, coordination, and management of relationships for provider and health plan organizations.
At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) Mr. Garcia, utilizes his skill, experience, energy, optimism and tireless creativity; combined with RMCC’s commitment to maintaining high quality, controlled costs, improved outcomes & increased value to implement and coordinate Value Based Care that enhances the patient experience with access, availability, affordability, Evidenced Based Measures, proven cost savings, quality metrics, avoidable admissions, risk scoring and all realized through Patient Centered Care.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM) Role: Panelist Increasing Engagement of Self-Insured Employers in Oncology Contracting
John Reuland
Leader, Access Communication Johnson & Johnson
John Reuland
Leader, Access Communication Johnson & Johnson
John Reuland leads Access Communications for the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, where he focuses on policy and commercial issues affecting patient access to medicines. His work aims to increase the level of meaningful transparency in the healthcare environment, transparency that drives better outcomes for patients.
SESSION Monday, October 25, 2021 (1:45 – 2:25 PM) Role: Panelist Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Drug Pricing Transparency
Robert J. Smith, MBA
Executive Director, Colorado Business Group on Health
Robert J. Smith, MBA
Executive Director, Colorado Business Group on Health
Bob has worked with the Colorado Business Group on Health since 2010 on market-based reform and promoting value-based purchasing in Colorado. He became Executive Director in May, 2017. In January of 2020 he was elected as President of the newly formed “The Colorado Purchasing Alliance” – a healthcare purchasing cooperative authorized under Colorado statute 10.16.1001.
Prior to joining CBGH Bob spent 38 years as a hospital/health system executive, providing leadership on strategic planning, business development, and performance-based contracting. He started and ran a hospital-owned health plan called “the most successful provider-owned plan in the country” by Modern Healthcare after his tenure as CEO and he has overseen development and management of over 20 risk-bearing physician organizations as VP of Development with McNerney Heintz.
Bob holds an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago, has co-authored two books on healthcare contracting. He is a Trustee of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchasing Alliances.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM) Role: Panelist Increasing Engagement of Self-Insured Employers in Oncology Contracting
Robert Baird, Jr. RN, MSA
President National Cancer Treatment Alliance (NCTA) Cancer Pharmacy Network (CPN)
Robert Baird, Jr. RN, MSA
President National Cancer Treatment Alliance (NCTA) Cancer Pharmacy Network (CPN)
Robert E. Baird, Jr., R.N., M.S.A., has extensive experience in healthcare management developing strategic plans and directing financial, operational and clinical initiatives. He is currently the President of the National Cancer Treatment Alliance (NCTA) positioning community oncology practices for success across the Nation in the changing health care environment. Prior to joining NCTA Robert was the CEO of Dayton Physicians, where he merged 3 independent Physician practices (Medical Oncology/Radiation Oncology/Urology) to create a large multi-specialty practice. He expanded the network from 2 locations to 6 comprehensive centers, 18 to over 40 Providers and generated over $170 million in annual revenues. Robert received his Master of Science in Hospital and Health Service Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Nursing Degree from Excelsior College.
SESSION Tuesday, October 26, 2021 (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM) Role: Moderator Increasing Engagement of Self-Insured Employers in Oncology Contracting