Episode 15: Patrick Nelli, CEO and Founder at Aligned Marketplace

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Patrick Nelli, CEO and founder of Aligned Marketplace. They discuss Patrick's journey from healthcare finance to founding a mission-driven company focused on improving health outcomes through advanced primary care. Patrick shares insights on leadership, career growth, and the importance of personal health practices. The conversation also covers the challenges faced during COVID-19 and the growth of Aligned Marketplace, emphasizing the significance of member choice and engagement in healthcare.

Aligned Marketplace is a national, value-based care marketplace of advanced primary care providers. Through a single, easy to administer contract, self-insured employers have access to a network of over 3,000 advanced primary care clinics across all 50 states, including virtual-first options, offering holistic, patient-centered care that improves member outcomes and experiences while reducing healthcare costs.

Takeaways

🔍 Patrick Nelli emphasizes the importance of finding a career at the intersection of personal passion, skills, and societal needs.
 💼 Transitioning from finance to healthcare can provide valuable insights into complex payment flows and business models.
 🌱 Building a mission-driven culture is crucial for long-term success in any organization.
 🦠 The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for healthcare companies, requiring adaptability and focus on employee well-being.
 🏥 Founding Aligned Marketplace was driven by a desire to improve health outcomes and provide better access to primary care.
 👥 Member choice and engagement are key factors in the success of healthcare solutions.
 💪 Personal health practices, including exercise and nutrition, are essential for maintaining productivity and reducing stress.
 🧱 Hard work and reliability are foundational to building a strong reputation in any career.
 🌍 Understanding the unique needs of diverse populations is critical for effective healthcare delivery.
 📚 Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for entrepreneurs in the healthcare space.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Patrick Nelli and Aligned Marketplace

03:06 Patrick's Journey into Healthcare Finance

06:14 Transitioning from Finance to Health Catalyst

09:10 Building a Career at Health Catalyst

12:03 Personal Directives and Work Ethic

15:01 Cultural Principles and Trust in Leadership

18:10 Challenges Faced During COVID-19

21:07 Leaving Health Catalyst to Start Aligned Marketplace

28:13 The Importance of a Meaningful Mission

29:55 Challenges in Advanced Primary Care

32:56 Founding On: A New Approach to Healthcare

34:10 Growth and Success of On

35:44 Advice for Founders in Tough Markets

39:11 Supporting Diverse Workforces

42:04 Measuring Impact: Access vs. Cost

45:23 Member Experience in Advanced Primary Care

48:55 Evolving Value Propositions

52:11 Practicing What You Preach

55:39 Outro

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