Rising healthcare expenses are putting significant pressure on employers, particularly those who are self-insured. The surge in prescription drug costs and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions have led to a projected 8% increase in healthcare spending for 2025, up from 6% in 2022. This trend has prompted many companies to seek innovative solutions that not only manage costs but also enhance the quality of care for their employees. One such solution is emerging through a new marketplace platform designed specifically for self-insured employers.
A major challenge for employees is accessing affordable and high-quality primary care near their homes. Recognizing this issue, Aligned Marketplace launched in 2023 with a mission to provide advanced primary care services to self-insured employers across the United States. Through partnerships with leading providers like Marathon Health and Amazon One Medical, as well as virtual health platforms such as CirrusMD, Aligned offers access to over 3,000 clinic locations nationwide. The company’s network includes both in-person and virtual care options, ensuring comprehensive coverage for diverse employee populations.
The platform goes beyond merely connecting patients with doctors; it integrates advanced tools for population health analytics and personal health assistance. These features help engage members and manage high-risk groups more effectively. Patrick Nelli, CEO of Aligned Marketplace, emphasizes the importance of aligning financial incentives between employers and care providers. By paying based on delivering high-quality, cost-effective care, the model encourages better outcomes while reducing overall healthcare expenditures.
Investors see immense potential in this approach. Maverick Ventures and A* Capital have already contributed substantial funding, recognizing the trillion-dollar market opportunity in employer-sponsored healthcare. With more than 100 million Americans working at self-insured employers, there is vast room for growth. Companies like 7-Eleven, which employ a widely distributed workforce, stand to benefit significantly from this scalable solution. Dr. Scott Conard, a consultant to 7-Eleven, highlights the shift towards proactive health management rather than reactive treatment, underscoring the value of high-value primary care.
Aligned Marketplace represents a promising step toward transforming how healthcare is delivered and financed. By fostering collaboration among employers, providers, and employees, it promotes a system where everyone benefits—healthier individuals, improved patient experiences, and lower medical costs. As remote work becomes more common, ensuring equitable access to quality care across different regions becomes increasingly critical. Aligned Marketplace addresses this need by offering a unified, efficient platform that supports the health and wellbeing of employees wherever they may be located.
Since 2007, the corridors of West Tennessee Healthcare (WTH) have become a place where not only medical care but also heartwarming companionship thrives. The introduction of a dog therapy program has transformed the atmosphere, bringing smiles and comfort to patients, staff, and visitors alike. Initially starting in the pediatric unit, this initiative has expanded throughout the hospital, with over ten therapy dogs now visiting various departments. These visits occur approximately twenty times each month, providing emotional support and reducing stress for everyone on campus. The positive impact of these furry friends is undeniable, as they bring out moments of joy and connection that traditional healthcare sometimes cannot achieve.
The inception of the dog therapy program at WTH began in the pediatric ward, driven by the well-documented benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Recognizing the potential to uplift spirits and provide solace, the program quickly grew beyond its initial boundaries. Today, these gentle canines visit numerous areas within the hospital, offering their presence to all who need it. Whether it's a patient in recovery or a nurse taking a break, the arrival of a therapy dog brings an immediate sense of calm and happiness. One particularly touching story involved a patient who had been unresponsive for days. During a visit from one of the therapy dogs, the patient’s demeanor changed dramatically—smiling and engaging in conversation for the first time since admission. This moment highlighted the profound effect these animals can have on both mental and emotional well-being.
The diversity among the therapy dogs mirrors the variety of people they serve. From golden retrievers to schnauzers and mixed breeds, any dog with the right temperament can join the program. Each animal undergoes rigorous screening by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to ensure they are suited for this special role. Handlers, who are volunteers screened by WTH, accompany their pets during visits, ensuring a safe and supportive experience for all. Katie Chandler, the volunteer coordinator for nearly two decades, witnesses the transformative power of these interactions daily. “Every encounter is precious,” she remarks, emphasizing how each visit provides much-needed respite and joy.
Looking toward the future, the program aims to expand its reach, with plans to introduce therapy dogs to more locations across WTH facilities. The recent expansion to the Paris campus marks an important milestone, symbolizing the growing recognition of the program's value. In a healthcare environment that can often be challenging, the presence of these loving animals serves as a reminder of the simple yet profound ways compassion and companionship can make a difference. Next time you encounter a therapy dog in the hospital, take a moment to appreciate the warmth and comfort they bring—a reminder that sometimes, a wagging tail is just what the doctor ordered.
The Sequoia Project's Privacy and Consent Workgroup has released a comprehensive whitepaper that delves into the intricacies of achieving computable consent. This document, published recently, evaluates existing models, frameworks, and tools designed to facilitate the secure exchange of patient information while respecting privacy settings. The workgroup examines both the strengths and limitations of current healthcare data exchange methods and highlights policy and operational challenges. By reviewing these elements, the whitepaper aims to foster better interoperability and compliance with evolving privacy regulations.
In its exploration of computable consent, the workgroup identifies transparency and stakeholder engagement as crucial components. The paper scrutinizes various approaches to data segmentation, including standards developed by HL7 and government-mandated terminology datasets. It also considers state-specific community consent frameworks. According to Deven McGraw of Citizen Health, co-chair of the workgroup, combining diverse perspectives from consumer, clinical, technical, policy, and operational viewpoints enriches the discussion and promotes future collaboration. Dr. Steven Lane of Health Gorilla emphasizes that making computable consent a reality hinges on these factors.
The whitepaper underscores the complexity of managing patient privacy expectations and consent requirements, especially given the varying state privacy laws. For instance, issues surrounding patient reproductive data have added layers of complexity. The workgroup, convened in January 2024, focuses on addressing stakeholder needs and improving the implementation of consent management and data segmentation technologies. Daniel Stein, president of the Stewards of Change Institute, notes that centralized consent management systems are vital for advancing health equity through interoperability agreements between public health systems.
Patient consent remains a cornerstone of efforts to enhance healthcare interoperability. The ability to manage and act on consent documents and patient privacy preferences at a granular level is a significant challenge for healthcare organizations. The whitepaper concludes that more collaborative work is essential to improve, test, and develop operational tools for effective consent management. Mariann Yeager, CEO of the Sequoia Project, acknowledges the complexity of privacy and consent issues in health IT interoperability, particularly as health information exchange increases and sensitivity around health data grows.
The publication of this landscape review aims to stimulate broader dialogue during the public feedback process. The Sequoia Project invites comments on the whitepaper until February 21, signaling a commitment to refining and advancing the principles of computable consent in healthcare.