Frist spoke from his perspective both as a physician and a politician on the major landscape issues including healthcare consumption, healthcare spending, the uninsured, the cost and affordability of healthcare, federal entitlements, and payment schemes.

Frist acknowledged that the U.S. healthcare system is at a "tipping point" and is in dire need of major reform. "The transformation in healthcare is going to be private-sector driven. It needs to be patient-centered, provider-friendly. The goal has to be universal care, affordable health insurance for all Americans from a basic ethical standpoint. I do think as a rich country, we should not be denying opportunity for good healthcare to Americans today," he said.

More opinions
Like Frist, Sawyer also discussed the fact that our country's economic growth cannot keep up with the rapid increases of healthcare costs and spending. Sawyer also echoed Frist's concern over how, as a nation, we pay significantly more than other developed countries but do not appear to be reaping the benefits. However, he also noted one significant difference: in the U.S., we treat patients with chronic conditions longer — to later stages and with more advanced treatments.

In Sawyer's discussion of solutions, he said, "Healthcare information technology is one of the most crucial aspects of healthcare cost containment." He cited the information revolution again when he praised putting more information into the hands of consumers, saying that's allowing ordinary people to affect change on a regular basis.

Hard evidence
Levitt – once called "the Indiana Jones of economists," by The Wall Street Journal – spoke about the fact that complicated problems are often much simpler than they seem, as long as you're looking in the right place.

Levitt spoke about his unique studies of subjects that traditional economists typically avoid — the hierarchy of inner-city gangs, the pricing structure of an independent donut and bagel salesman, and more. By looking at hard evidence to get results, Levitt explained how he has been able to creatively uncover many economic solutions that can be applied to everyday life.

Trends
Safavi examined the impact of major factors influencing healthcare services and the effects those trends will have on the industry's profitability and leadership. He talked about trends stemming from inpatient services, finances, emergency department services, clinical services, Present on Admission indicators, and consumer action.

Safavi acknowledged that hospital and healthcare leaders are operating in a constantly changing and demanding environment. "The only sure information is that which happened in the past," said Safavi. "But like a mutual fund disclaimer states, 'Past performance is not an indication of future performance.'" He left the audience with this, "Well-thought through decisions are enabled by complete and reliable information, and a solid understanding of the current state of affairs."

Find creative solutions
In his keynote addressing the employer, health plan, and government audience, Holland spoke about the challenges facing the industry today, and offered possible solutions to the healthcare crisis. He also shared insight into his company's strategy to reduce employee benefit costs.

Holland suggests several options to overcome today's healthcare crisis — lobby for healthcare reform, collaborate with those states experimenting, or exit the healthcare game (the "McCain Plan"). According to Holland, without creative solutions, employers will be mandated without the ability to control and therefore it is the employers' interest to find solutions.