View Agenda | Qualipalooza: The RISE Quality Leadership Summit | A RISE Health Conference

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Qualipalooza 2025
June 29 - July 1, 2025
Scottsdale, AZ

Agenda

Sunday - June 29, 2025

10:00 AM 7:00 PM

9:00 AM 6:00 PM

8:00 AM 5:00 PM

7:00 AM 4:00 PM

Registration Desk

 

Preconference Workshop Registration Desk Hours: 8:00AM - 1:30PM

*Additional Registration Required to attend workshops

 

Main Conference Registration Desk Hours: 1:30PM - 5:00PM

11:00 AM 2:30 PM

10:00 AM 1:30 PM

9:00 AM 12:30 PM

8:00 AM 11:30 AM

Workshop A: Deep Dive into Quality and Stars Data

*Additional Registration Required 

  • Dive into the data sources of HEDIS, Stars, and other quality programs  
  • Explore how to get the right data and use it the right way, identifying new data sources that can help and validating it as complete  
  • Review rates and examine data sources behind calculations, from claims and enrollment data to surveys, and exclusion databases, and more  
  • Discuss data sources, how to know it’s correct, and how to improve it to ensure rates are accurate  
  • Gain a deep knowledge of data needed to successfully deliver an on-time an accurate HEDIS submission  
  • Understand why your Stars results may differ from what CMS tells you they are  
  • Learn how to bring in new data sources to successfully report the new clinical measures 

Liz Carr, VP of Product Delivery & Customer Experience 
Ingenia 

There will be the letter A on your badge if you are registered for this program. A refreshment break is included.   

11:00 AM 2:30 PM

10:00 AM 1:30 PM

9:00 AM 12:30 PM

8:00 AM 11:30 AM

Workshop B: Operational Improvements to Boost HEDIS Scores in the Age of ECDS

*Additional Registration Required 

In this age of ECDS reporting, with the increased reliance on clinical digital data sources, HEDIS scores are boosted when the following are optimized at your plan: 

  • HEDIS data governance 
  • Annual HEDIS project governance 
  • HEDIS supplemental data management 
  • HEDIS audit management 
  • Interdisciplinary HEDIS approach 

Katharine Iskrant, Practice Leader  
Healthy People 

Rhonda Farrar, Clinical HEDIS Supervisor 
Healthy People, Inc. 

 

There will be the letter B on your badge if you are registered for this program. A refreshment break is included.

2:30 PM 3:30 PM

1:30 PM 2:30 PM

12:30 PM 1:30 PM

11:30 AM 12:30 PM

Networking Lunch for Preconference Workshop Attendees Only

Lunch is only available for registrants who have registered for both morning and afternoon workshops. There will be the letter L on your badge if lunch is included.  

3:30 PM 7:00 PM

2:30 PM 6:00 PM

1:30 PM 5:00 PM

12:30 PM 4:00 PM

Workshop C: Stars Math and Strategy: Work Smarter, Not Harder 

*Additional Registration Required 

  • Build a foundation of Stars knowledge together and recognize that true success lies far beyond the basics, focusing on foundational measures but also broad performance levers unique to Stars that have the potential to add or subtract dozens of points to your overall Stars score   
  • Examine performance levers including the 5-weighted Quality Improvement (QI) measures, the Reward Factor (RF), and the upcoming Health Equity Index (HEI)     
  • Take advantage of best-practice strategies that exist across the different domains and discuss innovative examples to apply immediately   
  • Receive a customized plan-specific workbook that evaluates the basic and advanced Stars applications and how they apply to your specific contract(s)  

Nate Lucena, Chief Strategy & Analytics Officer  
Rex Wallace Consulting  

Rex Wallace, CEO 
Rex Wallace Consulting   

Mick Twomey, Chief Executive Officer   
Hyperlift  

Phil Collins, Director, Customer Success 
Hyperlift 

There will be the letter C on your badge if you are registered for this program. A refreshment break is included.   

3:30 PM 7:00 PM

2:30 PM 6:00 PM

1:30 PM 5:00 PM

12:30 PM 4:00 PM

Workshop D: Prepare a Winning HEDIS Strategy for Today and Tomorrow

*Additional Registration Required 

  • Learn how to overcome HEDIS hybrid lift loss now that the hybrid method is being retired by MY 2029 
  • Learn how to leverage digital clinical data sources, case management data, HRA data, and cross-cutting measure-specific exclusion data mining 
  • Discover how to be successful on the current and future ECDS measures 
  • Review improvement strategies for HEDIS measures 

Katharine Iskrant, Practice Leader  
Healthy People 

Rhonda Farrar, Clinical HEDIS Supervisor 
Healthy People, Inc. 

There will be the letter D on your badge if you are registered for this program. A refreshment break is included.   

5:00 PM 5:15 PM

4:00 PM 4:15 PM

3:00 PM 3:15 PM

2:00 PM 2:15 PM

Networking Break for Preconference Workshop Attendees Only

7:00 PM 8:00 PM

6:00 PM 7:00 PM

5:00 PM 6:00 PM

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception (All Conference Attendees Invited)

Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers. 

Monday - June 30, 2025

10:00 AM 6:00 PM

9:00 AM 5:00 PM

8:00 AM 4:00 PM

7:00 AM 3:00 PM

Registration Desk Open

10:00 AM 8:00 PM

9:00 AM 7:00 PM

8:00 AM 6:00 PM

7:00 AM 5:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Open

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

7:00 AM 8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

11:00 AM 11:10 AM

10:00 AM 10:10 AM

9:00 AM 9:10 AM

8:00 AM 8:10 AM

Welcome Remarks

11:10 AM 12:10 PM

10:10 AM 11:10 AM

9:10 AM 10:10 AM

8:10 AM 9:10 AM

Keynote: Harnessing Resilience as Your Superpower

What if you could build resilience as a renewable fuel, and it had nothing to do with bouncing back or getting on with it? Join Dr. Denniston for an eye-opening hour that will leave you armed with secret tools to stave off burnout and amplify energy even during the most stressful times. 

You will learn how to: 

  • Guard your energy for ultimate influence 
  • Use curiosity and a growth mindset as secret weapons 
  • Cultivate courage and grit to make you bendier 
  • Mine for joy to build leverage in chaos 
  • Discover your resilience-building true north 

Heather Denniston, DC, CCWP 
WELLFIT and FED 

12:10 PM 1:00 PM

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

9:10 AM 10:00 AM

Regulatory Update 2025: What’s New and Now—and What’s on the Horizon

  • Unpack the latest finalized and proposed HEDIS and Stars program changes as well as the implications for health plans  
  • Turn regulatory requirements into opportunities to address care caps, improve member experience, and reduce disparities  
  • Recognize the financial implications of upcoming changes and how to optimize quality improvement dollars 

Mike Leiper, Director, Performance & Risk Management, Government Quality 
Highmark 

 

​

1:00 PM 1:20 PM

12:00 PM 12:20 PM

11:00 AM 11:20 AM

10:00 AM 10:20 AM

Networking Break

1:20 PM 2:10 PM

12:20 PM 1:10 PM

11:20 AM 12:10 PM

10:20 AM 11:10 AM

What if, Not Again, Uh Oh, and Now What: Quality Improvement Unscripted

Join us for an interactive session to discuss what’s keeping you up at night, what you can do about it, and who to connect with for help (when you’re ready).  

Jenn Kerfoot, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer 
DUOS  

Daniel Weaver, SVP Stars and Quality 
Zing Health 

2:10 PM 3:15 PM

1:10 PM 2:15 PM

12:10 PM 1:15 PM

11:10 AM 12:15 PM

Networking Lunch

Concurrent Sessions 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Track Chairs:

3:15 PM 3:30 PM

2:15 PM 2:30 PM

1:15 PM 1:30 PM

12:15 PM 12:30 PM

Track A

Tools & Tech Spotlight

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization. 

3:15 PM 3:30 PM

2:15 PM 2:30 PM

1:15 PM 1:30 PM

12:15 PM 12:30 PM

Track B

Tools & Tech Spotlight

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.  

Concurrent Sessions 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
Track Chairs:

3:30 PM 4:20 PM

2:30 PM 3:20 PM

1:30 PM 2:20 PM

12:30 PM 1:20 PM

Track A

Herding CAHPS: Controlling What You Can—and the Art of Strategic Letting Go

  • Understand the questions and concerns about CAHPS reliability and measurement that have come to the forefront due to recent lawsuits 
  • Dig into strategies for factors you can control and gain recommendations for mitigating those you can’t 
  • Learn how to help influence the future measurement of member experience 

Savannah Gonsalves, RN, MHA, Director of Quality 
Hometown Health 

Keileigh Brown, Quality Analyst
Hometown Health  

Rex Wallace, CEO 
RWC 

3:30 PM 4:20 PM

2:30 PM 3:20 PM

1:30 PM 2:20 PM

12:30 PM 1:20 PM

Track B

Innovate to Elevate: Engaging D-SNP Members Through Technology

  • Learn how quality pressures are reshaping D-SNP strategies 
  • Explore innovative approaches to overcoming engagement challenges 
  • Discuss actionable recommendations for strengthening D-SNP programs amid industry shifts 

4:20 PM 4:25 PM

3:20 PM 3:25 PM

2:20 PM 2:25 PM

1:20 PM 1:25 PM

Transition Break

Concurrent Sessions 4:25 PM - 5:10 PM 3:25 PM - 4:10 PM 2:25 PM - 3:10 PM 1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
Track Chairs:

4:25 PM 5:10 PM

3:25 PM 4:10 PM

2:25 PM 3:10 PM

1:25 PM 2:10 PM

Track A

The New and Revised 2025 NCQA Quality Measures

  • Understand the differences between the Medicare Stars and NCQA clinical quality measure programs 
  • Explore key new and changing NCQA quality measures and standards and gain insight into how to mitigate them 

Rebecca Fitch, MD 
Permanente Medicine 

Gerardo Hernandez Diaz, Senior Director, Quality Improvement 
Permanente Medicine  

Stephen Winn, Senior Director, Quality 
Permanente Medicine 

4:25 PM 5:10 PM

3:25 PM 4:10 PM

2:25 PM 3:10 PM

1:25 PM 2:10 PM

Track B

Case Study: Finding Success in the Transition to Digital

  • Describe the end-to-end process of utilizing digital data sources (e.g., supplemental data, ECDS) 
  • Explore electronic supplemental HEDIS data sources to prepare for the migration to digital quality 
  • Describe how to action measure results from your HEDIS engine and consider strategies for gap closure through rolling 12 vs prospective year to date 

Bert Rico, Director, QI and Clinical Analytics 
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan 
Fractional Chief Data Officer, Domlytics 

Brandy Lanns, MBA, CPHQ, PMP, CTT, Director of Quality Improvement 
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan 

 

5:10 PM 5:30 PM

4:10 PM 4:30 PM

3:10 PM 3:30 PM

2:10 PM 2:30 PM

Networking Break

Concurrent Sessions 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Track Chairs:

5:30 PM 6:15 PM

4:30 PM 5:15 PM

3:30 PM 4:15 PM

2:30 PM 3:15 PM

Track A

Panel: Leveraging Cutting-Edge AI in Quality Improvement

  • Discuss different use cases for AI in quality improvement, from improved efficiency to closing care gaps and beyond 
  • Explore innovative opportunities for improving member engagement and experience through AI 
  • Consider where AI is headed, what capabilities are on the immediate horizon, and how AI can support providers and the transition to value-based care 

Beau Munoz, MD 
Independent Healthcare Technologist 

5:30 PM 6:15 PM

4:30 PM 5:15 PM

3:30 PM 4:15 PM

2:30 PM 3:15 PM

Track B

Engage, Retain, Thrive: Enhance Member Satisfaction and Retention with Smart Outreach

  • Boost CAHPS & retention—Improve access, customer service, and care coordination to enhance satisfaction 
  • Use targeted engagement—Employ segmentation to close care gaps and improve STARS & CAHPS scores 
  • Practice data-driven outreach—Leverage feedback, faster receipt of data and analytics to drive preventive care and adherence 

Jamee Liwag Sunga, Director of Product
Bloom

6:15 PM 7:00 PM

5:15 PM 6:00 PM

4:15 PM 5:00 PM

3:15 PM 4:00 PM

Roundtable Discussions

Participate in a facilitated roundtable discussion and deep dive with peers on timely topics in the industry.  

Improving Quality in Younger Populations 

Amy Blackledge, Director of Clinical Quality Management 
Blue Cross of Idaho 

 

Equity, Equality & Quality 

Ekaette Joseph Isang MD, MBA, MPH, CPHQ, Principal Consultant 
Ritebridge 

 

Offsetting HEDIS Hybrid Loss Given Retiring Hybrid Measures 

Rhonda Farrar, Clinical HEDIS Supervisor 
Healthy People, Inc. 

 

Breaking Down Silos to Maximize Risk and Stars 

Ryan Dodson, Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder 
New Vision Healthcare Solutions 

 

Partnering with CBOs to Close Care Gaps 

Sujata Bajaj, Chief Technology Officer 
Yuvo Health 
 


Optimizing Payer-Provider Value-Based Contracting 

Paige Caprara, Quality Improvement Consultant 
RWC 

 

Reaching the Unreachable: Improving Care Management Member Activation 

Tina Dueringer, BSN, RN, CCM, PCC, CEO, Principal Advisor 
Dueringer Advisors, Inc 

 

7:00 PM 8:00 PM

6:00 PM 7:00 PM

5:00 PM 6:00 PM

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.

Tuesday - July 1, 2025

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

7:00 AM 8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

10:00 AM 3:15 PM

9:00 AM 2:15 PM

8:00 AM 1:15 PM

7:00 AM 12:15 PM

Exhibit Hall Open

11:00 AM 11:10 AM

10:00 AM 10:10 AM

9:00 AM 9:10 AM

8:00 AM 8:10 AM

Welcome Remarks

 

 

 

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

9:10 AM 10:00 AM

8:10 AM 9:00 AM

Risky Business: Quality Litigation and Risk Areas for MA Plans and Provider Groups

  • Hear about developments in various FCA litigations, OIG audits, and other regulatory activities, with an emphasis on the activities and fact patterns that DOJ and various courts have found rise to the level of plausible False Claims Act violations 
  • Understand the risks and compliance implications of specific retrospective chart review methods, such as chart “refreshing” and “coding parties,” enabling providers and MAOs to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls 
  • Stay informed on where the future of fraud enforcement in the MA industry appears to be heading, including predictions on enforcement concerning risk adjustment, kickbacks, and star ratings 

Hallie Noecker, Partner 
Whistleblower Partners LLP 

Max Voldman, Partner 
Whistleblower Partners LLP 

12:00 PM 12:50 PM

11:00 AM 11:50 AM

10:00 AM 10:50 AM

9:00 AM 9:50 AM

HEDIS ECDS Measures & the Move to Digital Quality Measurement

  •  Learn what you can do to successfully prepare for the transition to fully digital HEDIS reporting by MY 2030 
  • Discuss Electronic Clinical Data Systems (ECDS) reporting as the segue to digital measure reporting 
  • Prepare for the loss of the hybrid option on all currently hybrid measures by MY 2029 
  • Learn about key ECDS reporting solutions including digital data feed acquisition and optimization, provider portals, NLP chart abstraction, and plan case management approaches 
  • Discover how to boost ECDS performance rates on depression and social need screening and follow-up measures, which require coding not easily obtained from today’s medical group EHRs 
  • Understand and prepare for the future ECDS measures that require new types of digital data to report accurately 

Mary A. Goble, MSN, RN, Director Clinical Quality and Performance Improvement 
Capital Health Plan  

Katharine Iskrant, Practice Leader  
Healthy People 

Rhonda Farrar, Clinical HEDIS Supervisor 
Healthy People, Inc. 

12:50 PM 1:10 PM

11:50 AM 12:10 PM

10:50 AM 11:10 AM

9:50 AM 10:10 AM

Networking Break

Concurrent Sessions 1:10 PM - 2:00 PM 12:10 PM - 1:00 PM 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
Track Chairs:

1:10 PM 2:00 PM

12:10 PM 1:00 PM

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

Track A

Leading Quality Through Data

  • Discuss best practices for leveraging a data analytics platform to drive quality initiatives across multidisciplinary teams 
  • Discuss the importance of using unified data in providing comprehensive care, improving outreach efforts, and reducing health disparities 

Janelle Kistler, Assistant Director of Managed Care 
Integrated Health Partners (IHP) 

Kristine Sitson, MPH, Sr. Data Healthcare Analyst  
Integrated Health Partners (IHP) 

James Schultz, MD, CMO 
Neighborhood Healthcare 

1:10 PM 2:00 PM

12:10 PM 1:00 PM

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

Track B

Oversampling: Your Questions Answered

  • Discuss the concept of survey oversampling: What is it and how it fits into Star Ratings 
  • Learn when to oversample and identify potential performance impacts 
  • Review oversample outcomes and support adjustments to your oversample strategy moving forward 

Heidi Salerno, Member Experience Consultant 
Rex Wallace Consulting 

Ryan Bernstein, Consultant 
Rex Wallace Consulting 

Concurrent Sessions 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Track Chairs:

2:00 PM 2:15 PM

1:00 PM 1:15 PM

12:00 PM 12:15 PM

11:00 AM 11:15 AM

Track A

Tools & Tech Spotlight

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization. 

 

 

2:00 PM 2:15 PM

1:00 PM 1:15 PM

12:00 PM 12:15 PM

11:00 AM 11:15 AM

Track B

Tools & Tech Spotlight

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization. 

 

2:15 PM 3:15 PM

1:15 PM 2:15 PM

12:15 PM 1:15 PM

11:15 AM 12:15 PM

Networking Lunch

Concurrent Sessions 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Track Chairs:

3:15 PM 4:00 PM

2:15 PM 3:00 PM

1:15 PM 2:00 PM

12:15 PM 1:00 PM

Track A

Special Needs Plan Measures: The Yellow Brick Road to SNP Star Ratings

  • Learn about the critical components of the SNP Star Measures 
  • Leverage HRA data and insights to improve clinical quality and care management 
  • Understand the importance and impact of the Transitions of Care measures and how to drive improvement 
  • Explore techniques to drive internal engagement and cross functional collaboration for HRA success 
  • Develop a path through clinical, operations and member engagement to 5 Star SNP measures 

Tina Dueringer, BSN, RN, CCM, PCC, CEO, Principal Advisor 
Dueringer Advisors, Inc 

Ana Handshuh, CHC, Principal  
CAT5 Strategies 

3:15 PM 4:00 PM

2:15 PM 3:00 PM

1:15 PM 2:00 PM

12:15 PM 1:00 PM

Track B

Advancing Health Equity: Driving Quality Care and Positive Patient Outcomes

  • Consider data-driven strategies to identify and address health disparities in preventive care and chronic disease management 
  • Explore collaborative models engaging interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient experience and minimize provider abrasion 
  • Discover real-world outcomes: measurable improvements in HEDIS, CMS data measures, and Star ratings 
  • Gain practical insights on adapting equity-focused frameworks to evolving regulatory requirements and healthcare shifts 
  • Take away strategies for synchronizing quality programs, aligning initiatives, and fostering inclusivity to drive positive patient outcomes 

Crystal Redfern, MS, MBA, CPHQ, Senior Director of Clinical Improvement 
Novant Health Medical Group 

Sarah Hreyo, Clinical Excellence Manager 
Novant Health Medical Group 

4:00 PM 4:05 PM

3:00 PM 3:05 PM

2:00 PM 2:05 PM

1:00 PM 1:05 PM

Transition Break

4:00 PM 4:45 PM

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

2:00 PM 2:45 PM

1:00 PM 1:45 PM

Be Heard: Advocacy Essentials for Shaping the Quality Measures of Tomorrow

With the quality space becoming fertile terrain for policy and advocacy work, learn how to move beyond doing the work assigned to helping shape the quality regulatory landscape for the betterment of tomorrow. 

Nate Lucena, MA, Chief Strategy & Analytics Officer 
RWC 

4:45 PM 5:00 PM

3:45 PM 4:00 PM

2:45 PM 3:00 PM

1:45 PM 2:00 PM

Closing Session